EU referendum: Hundreds of celebrities urge public to vote for Remain
Celebrities including Benedict Cumberbatch, Bill Nighy, Helena Bonham Carter, Jude Law and Keira Knightley have signed an open letter in support of the EU, as we enter the final weeks before the referendum.
Hundreds of actors, writers, directors and artists have put pen to paper ahead of the vote, urging the public to vote to remain part of the bloc.
Three knights of the screen – Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir John Hurt and Sir Patrick Stewart – are named, along with comedians Eddie Izzard, Jo Brand and Steve Coogan, and the Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy. Directors Danny Boyle, Mike Leigh and Richard Curtis, and writers such as John le Carre also signed the letter.
"Many of us have worked on projects that would never have happened without vital EU funding or by collaborating across borders," the letter, published in the Guardian this morning, said.
"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.
"Leaving Europe would be a leap into the unknown for millions of people across the UK who work in the creative industries, and for the millions more at home and abroad who benefit from the growth and vibrancy of Britain's cultural sector.
"From the Bard to Bowie, British creativity inspires and influences the rest of the world. We believe that being part of the EU bolsters Britain's leading role on the world stage.
"Let's not become an outsider shouting from the wings."
There are a number of celebrities who have come out in favour of Brexit, however. Former cricketer Ian Botham and ex-footballer Sol Campbell have both made statements in support of the Leave campaign.
The referendum will take place on 23 June.