Next year’s referendum campaign in Britain to decide whether the UK should stay in the European Union will have a South African as director of strategy.

Ryan Coetzee‚ the former DA MP and chief strategist who served as special advisor to Western Cape premier Helen Zille and then as advisor to British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg until his recent electoral disaster‚ will be the director of strategy for the “In campaign“.

The In campaign will try to convince voters that Britain should stay in the European Union. It is expected to be supported by the leadership of all three major British parties: Conservative‚ Labour and Liberal Democrats‚ and to enjoy very strong support in Scotland.

But the “Out campaign” is expected to be supported by the right wing of the Conservative Party and the resurgent United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP)‚ as well as many Eurosceptic voters‚ especially in England.

British prime minister David Cameron has promised the referendum for next year‚ but has not named the date yet. It is expected to be announced once Cameron has finalised the new terms according to which Britain will function in the EU‚ should it decide to stay in.

Visiting Cape Town in the past week‚ Coetzee said there are many reasons for Britain to stay in the European Union.

“Economically it makes sense. The EU provides Britain with a huge market. It is also important that Britain play a leading role on the world stage. To lead globally‚ Britain must lead in Europe.

“It is furthermore important for Britain and Europe’s long term security for Britain to be in the European Union. A strong Europe needs a strong Britain.”

Asked about a possible return to South Africa‚ Coetzee‚ who married his wife Jessica (a British citizen)‚ in June‚ kept his options open.

“I don’t know what the future holds‚ but I don’t plan to move to South Africa at the moment. I am focused on the referendum campaign‚ said Coetzee.