Leader of UK business group resigns after call to leave EU

LONDON (AP) - The director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce has resigned after saying the U.K. should leave the European Union.

The organization said that John Longworth has decided to step down because his "personal view on the referendum is likely to create confusion."

The group, which represents hundreds of businesses, says it will not campaign on either side in Britain's EU membership referendum, to be held June 23. A majority of its member businesses supported staying in the bloc when surveyed last year.

But last week Longworth said that "the U.K. would be better off taking a decision to leave" the EU.

Supporters of EU withdrawal accused David Cameron's 10 Downing St. office of involvement in Longworth's ouster. But Downing St. said Monday that "no pressure" had been put on the organization.

Longworth said he had not been pressured to resign.

"I've voluntarily resigned as director general of the British Chambers of Commerce in order to have the freedom to express myself on the European referendum," he told Sky News.