Britain staying in EU isn't important, General Electric chief says

Britain's decision on whether to remain within the European Union (EU) is not as important as the international relationships the country has established around the world, the chief executive of US giant General Electric has said.

Jeff Immelt said the UK is an "export country" and has "good relationships around the world" that are more important that its position within the EU.

"As a global investor, it really doesn’t matter," he told the Sunday Telegraph.

"We have a big presence here and we’re a big exporter from here. So it’s important the UK has good relationships around the world, but I don’t really think that its place in the European Union makes that much difference."

He also said that the current differences between EU countries prevents Europe from be a "perfectly homogeneous common market".

Less than a fortnight ago, Immelt agreed the terms of a deal with UK Export Finance in a move that will create up to 1,000 jobs thanks to government backing. In return for the £8bn financing, GE has promised its "ongoing support for its UK supply chain".