Benedict Cumberbatch and Patrick Stewart among Hollywood actors lining up against Brexit

Hollywood actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Patrick Stewart, Bill Nighy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Keira Knightley and Kristin Scott Thomas are among leading figures from the arts world backing a vote to remain in the EU.

Music stars Hot Chip, alt-J and Paloma Faith, authors Hilary Mantel and John le Carre and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood are also among the 282 figures supporting a Remain vote.

The group, including Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle and British poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, said being part of the EU “bolsters Britain’s leading role on the world stage”, warning that Brexit would leave the country “an outsider shouting from the wings”.