Eddie Izzard Joins Calls To Reject Brexit

The comedian backs Remain during the South Bank Sky Arts Awards ceremony but actress Elaine Paige says she may vote to Leave.

19:51, UK,Sunday 05 June 2016

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Eddie Izzard has joined calls for people to vote for staying in the European Union in this month's referendum as he attended an awards ceremony.

The comedian revealed he is worried about what will happen if Britain backs Brexit as he spoke at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards at The Savoy Theatre in London.

Wearing Union Jack and EU flag badges, he told Sky News: "I've had a lot of opportunities of being in the European Union, us being in the European Union. I want all young people to have it.

"The cheap flights to Europe, there are going to be less of those and they are going to go up in price. The roaming charges go down to zero next year - they'll go up.

"The free health care all across 28 countries - that will disappear, quite apart from having to get a visa from European countries if you want to go there, or work permits...

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"There are no economic experts from the world who say it's a good idea."

Izzard, who won an outstanding achievement award at the event as he undertakes a tour of 31 cities to encourage people to vote Remain, urged young voters to register before the deadline on Tuesday, saying it really affects them.

Lord Bragg, who hosted the arts awards ceremony, said he felt the same way.

He said: "I want to stay in Europe. Anyone who has reckoned what two world wars mean thinks Europe should stick together and then we don't have another."

Musical theatre veteran Elaine Paige, however, said she looked like she was going to vote to leave the EU.

She said: "I'm of the feeling to leave, but I'm probably a minority in the arts when I say that.

"I think the reason is exactly what Brexit are saying, which is we need to take back control of our economy and democracy."

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The awards goers had attended to see winners in a variety of categories pick up awards celebrating a broad range of arts.

Fans of the artist Banksy were disappointed he missed out on the visual arts award to Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, who won for Verses After Dusk.

It had been rumoured that if he had picked up the award for his mock theme park Dismaland, the notoriously elusive artist may have finally been unmasked.

Other winners included:

:: Classical music  - Mark Simpson, The Immortal

:: Literature - Sunjeev Sahota, The Year Of The Runaways

:: Theatre - Hangmen, Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court Theatre

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:: Pop - Benjamin Clementine, At Least For Now

:: Comedy - Catastrophe, Channel 4

:: TV drama - Doctor Foster, BBC One

:: Opera - The Force Of Destiny, English National Opera

:: Film - 45 Years

:: Dance - 1984, Northern Ballet

:: The Times Breakthrough Award - Stormzy

link to confirm:  http://news.sky.com/story/1707379/eddie-izzard-joins-calls-to-reject-brexit