MEMBERSHIP of the European Union has brought Bracknell success with its low unemployment rate and high standard of living according to the foreign secretary.

Philip Hammond MP visited Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Bracknell earlier today (Monday, June 13) to hear about the firm's latest cyber security projects and address staff 10 days ahead of the referendum.

"There's a lot of talk about scaremongering and people being ill-informed," he said.

"If you live in Bracknell membership has got you nearly full employment, a great standard of living, and good facilities for your family and kids.

"If we vote to remain we should engage more in the leadership of the EU.

"Taking on leadership of the 10 other countries that look to Britain for leadership and are reformist by instinct."

He said the EU was not a perfect organisation but Britain stood to gain a lot more from membership in the near future in the wake of February's renegotiation deal which included a promise to open up the free market to financial services.

The UK stood to benefit 'disproportionately' with the move according to the foreign secretary.

The event was organised by Conservatives In and saw the MP answering questions from employees at the American company's Cain Road offices.

He said if Britain were to leave the UK, the government would set about our exit straight away but warned it could see a compromise on issues like free movement of people and some payments to Brussels in order to keep access to the free market.

Voters across the country will head to the polls on Thursday, June 23, to decide if the UK should remain or leave the European Union.