LONDON (AP) — The Financial Times newspaper says the head of the British Chambers of Commerce has been suspended after saying the U.K. should leave the European Union.

Director-general John Longworth told the organization's convention this week that Britain faced a choice between "the devil and the deep blue sea." He told Sky News that "the U.K. would be better off taking a decision to leave" the EU.

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

The FT said Longworth had been temporarily suspended for violating the group's neutral stance.

The British Chambers of Commerce did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment Saturday.