Political Times: Business leaders warn of 'Brexit' and Ukip civil war ceases

This week two influential bodies threw their weight behind the "In" campaign ahead of the referendum on the UK's membership of the EU.

The CBI called on businesses to "speak out early" on remaining within the 28-member bloc while the Institute of Directors (IoD) told IBTimes UK that leaving the EU would be "disastrous".

Simon Walker, IoD director-general said that the institute wouldn't be supporting remaining in the EU "come what may" and argued that Britain should be concentrate on being a leading force for deregulation inside the bloc.

Meanwhile, Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan told IBTimes UK that the British public would more likely listen to "successful manufacturers" like JCB and Dyson on the EU issue rather than "disgraced banks".

Hannan made the remarks after German lender Deutsche Bank launched a probe into whether to move its operations out of the UK in the event of a "Brexit". The news came after JCB chairman Lord Bamford backed an exit from the EU.

The businessman, whose family has donated millions to the Tories, said Britain could exist outside of the union because of the country's successful economy.

Ukip civil war ceases

Finally, it looks like the Ukip civil war has ended after a number of high profile departures from the top of the purple party.

Suzanne Evans was the latest to stand down from a senior role as policy chief after in-fighting broke out among the Kippers following the general election.

Patrick O'Flynn, one of Ukip's MEPs, criticised Nigel Farage as "snarling, thin-skinned and aggressive" after the party leader's resignation was reportedly rejected by its national executive. O'Flynn later resigned as the party's economic spokesman.

Meanwhile, Douglas Carswell's spat with Ukip HQ also seemed to have reached a conclusion after an argument around "short money" – public funds to help non-government parties in the House of Commons with staffing and administrative costs.

Farage took to the airwaves yesterday and said Ukip were united and even had the cheek to claim it was the rival parties that were breaking apart.