LONDON— U.S. President Barack Obama
has dived into a heated debate over a June 23 referendum in which
British voters will decide whether their country will remain in the
European Union and urged Britain to remain in the bloc.
Speaking alongside British Prime Minister David Cameron at a press conference after talks in London, Obama said Britain is at its best when it is in the EU.
"I believe the UK strengthens both our collective security and prosperity through the EU," Obama said. He added that divisions in Europe would weaken NATO.
He added that Britain would go to the back of the line when it comes to trade deals with the U.S. if it leaves the EU.
"Let me be clear. Ultimately, this is something that British voters have to decide for themselves. But as part of our special relationship, part of being friends is to be honest and to let you know what I think. And speaking honestly, the outcome of that decision is of deep interest to the United States, because it affects our prospects as well," Obama added.
'Special relationship'
"In all the areas we've discussed today, our collective power and reach is amplified by Britain's membership of the European Union. Let me be clear, when it comes to the special relationship between our two countries, there's no way to (inaudible). I'm very proud to have been the prime minister and stand outside the White House, listening to this man - my friend Barack - saying that the special relationship between our countries has never been stronger," Cameron said.
“The United States sees how your powerful voice in Europe ensures that Europe takes a strong stance in the world, and keeps the EU open, outward looking, and closely linked to its allies on the other side of the Atlantic. So the U.S. and the world need your outsized influence to continue – including within Europe,” Obama wrote in a column published in The Telegraph newspaper.
President Obama’s statements in that column drew a sharp rebuke from those who back Britain’s exit. London Mayor Boris Johnson said U.S. leaders “would never contemplate anything like the EU for themselves." Johnson has accused the U.S. leadership of hypocrisy on this issue, saying he believes Washington would never allow Canada or Mexico, who with the United States are part of the North American Free Trade Agreement, to impose their laws or dictate their policies on U.S. soil.
Right-wing UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage had even stronger words for the U.S. leader, saying he should “butt out.”
Britain's
Queen Elizabeth II (left) stands with the President and First Lady of
the United States Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, in the Oak Room at
Windsor Castle ahead of a private lunch hosted by the Queen, in
Windsor, Britain, April 22, 2016.
Lunch with Queen
The president had lunch Friday with Queen Elizabeth, who celebrated her birthday a day earlier. Obama presented the queen with a photo album of her numerous meetings with U.S. presidents and first ladies.
Before arriving in London, Obama attended a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking alongside British Prime Minister David Cameron at a press conference after talks in London, Obama said Britain is at its best when it is in the EU.
"I believe the UK strengthens both our collective security and prosperity through the EU," Obama said. He added that divisions in Europe would weaken NATO.
He added that Britain would go to the back of the line when it comes to trade deals with the U.S. if it leaves the EU.
"Let me be clear. Ultimately, this is something that British voters have to decide for themselves. But as part of our special relationship, part of being friends is to be honest and to let you know what I think. And speaking honestly, the outcome of that decision is of deep interest to the United States, because it affects our prospects as well," Obama added.
'Special relationship'
"In all the areas we've discussed today, our collective power and reach is amplified by Britain's membership of the European Union. Let me be clear, when it comes to the special relationship between our two countries, there's no way to (inaudible). I'm very proud to have been the prime minister and stand outside the White House, listening to this man - my friend Barack - saying that the special relationship between our countries has never been stronger," Cameron said.
“The United States sees how your powerful voice in Europe ensures that Europe takes a strong stance in the world, and keeps the EU open, outward looking, and closely linked to its allies on the other side of the Atlantic. So the U.S. and the world need your outsized influence to continue – including within Europe,” Obama wrote in a column published in The Telegraph newspaper.
President Obama’s statements in that column drew a sharp rebuke from those who back Britain’s exit. London Mayor Boris Johnson said U.S. leaders “would never contemplate anything like the EU for themselves." Johnson has accused the U.S. leadership of hypocrisy on this issue, saying he believes Washington would never allow Canada or Mexico, who with the United States are part of the North American Free Trade Agreement, to impose their laws or dictate their policies on U.S. soil.
Right-wing UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage had even stronger words for the U.S. leader, saying he should “butt out.”
The president had lunch Friday with Queen Elizabeth, who celebrated her birthday a day earlier. Obama presented the queen with a photo album of her numerous meetings with U.S. presidents and first ladies.
Before arriving in London, Obama attended a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Saudi Arabia.
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Friday, 22 April 2016
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Obama Urges Britain to Stay in EU; Meets with Cameron,
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