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Benedict Cumberbatch Leads 250 Stars Backing EU Stay Campaign

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Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightly and Jude Law are among a group of 250 actors, directors, musicians, artists and writers to have put their name to a open letter appealing for the UK to stay in the European Union.

The letter describes Britain being ‘stronger’ by staying in the EU.

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“From the smallest gallery to the biggest blockbuster, many of us have worked on projects that would never have happened without vital E.U. funding or by collaborating across borders,” it reads.

“Britain is not just stronger in Europe, it is more imaginative and more creative, and our global creative success would be severely weakened by walking away.

“From the Bard to Bowie, British creativity inspires and influences the rest of the world. We believe that being part of the E.U. bolsters Britain’s leading role on the world stage.”

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Helen Bonham Carter, Steve Coogan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dominic West, Sir Patrick Stewart, Danny Boyle, John Le Carré and Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker are also among those in support.

The appeal has been coordinated by the official campaign group Britain Stronger in Europe, which is hoping to sway votes towards the 'remain’ choice in June 23rd’s referendum.

Sir John Sorrell, of the Creative Industries Federation, said: “The UK creative industries are key to the way we are seen by the world and deliver a massive £84.1bn to our economy.

“Our position as a vital European creative hub is a huge part of this success – we benefit from a vast network of talented people, companies and institutions across Europe.”

Meanwhile, John Kampfner, the chief executive of the trade body, added that the EU has provided funding for hit movies like 'Slumdog Millionaire’ and 'The King’s Speech’ in the past.

By comparison, considerably fewer celebrities, actors and artists have spoken out in favour of leaving the EU.

Michael Caine has said he’s become convinced by the Brexit argument, saying that Europe’s 'government by proxy’ is run by 'faceless civil servants’.

Image credits: AP