Hands campaigned for the UK to Remain in the European Union during the 2016 referendum vote to leave the European Union. In the lead-up to the Referendum, Hands led the Chelsea and Fulham Britain Stronger In Europe campaign. During the campaign, Hands issued warnings of the consequences for the UK should it leave the European Union, saying that the country would face "profound consequences" including "fewer jobs, higher prices in our shops and less money for our public services like the NHS". A strong advocate of international trade, he asserted that the European Union's Single Market as being the "most complete commitment to free trade that exists".