Brexit could benefit UK economy, says £8bn fund manager

Neil Woodford says British EU withdrawal would have no lasting negative economic impact and attacks 'bogus' debate

One of Britain's most influential fund managers has said a British withdrawal from the EU would have no long-term negative impact on the UK economy and could even benefit it in the short term.

Neil Woodford, whose 8bn fund has large stakes in leading British companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, BT and BAE Systems, said much of the debate over British exit was "bogus".