Obama says the UK will be stronger within the EU
President Barack Obama says that the UK is stronger when it is part of the EU, both in its fight against terrorism, and in its international influence
President Barack Obama is expected to give a joint press conference with prime minister David Cameron during his three-day visit in the UK
US President Barack Obama has pointed out that the UK’s ability to fight terrorism will be “more effective”, if the country stays within the European Union.
Obama is currently on a three-day state visit in the UK, and he has also highlighted the fact that the UK’s worldwide influence from within the EU would be stronger than outside the nation bloc.
The president's discussion of the UK's upcoming EU referendum on 23 June has been hotly debated and those wanting to leave the EU have accused him of “hypocrisy" from those who want to leave the EU.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Obama said that the matter was ultimately for British voters to decide for themselves, but that the outcome of their decision is “a matter of deep interest to the United States.”
“The tens of thousands of Americans who rest in Europe's cemeteries are a silent testament to just how intertwined our prosperity and security truly are, and the path you choose now will echo in the prospects of today's generation of Americans as well.”
He further added that the UK had benefitted from being inside the EU in terms of jobs, trade and financial growth.
"This kind of cooperation - from intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism to forging agreements to create jobs and economic growth - will be far more effective if it extends across Europe. Now is a time for friends and allies to stick together," he wrote.
In a post on The Sun however, Vote Leave's Boris Johnson said Obama's remarks are “a breathtaking example of the principle do-as-I-say-but-not-as-I-do”.
Johnson further described Mr Obama's argument as "inconsistent" and "downright hypocritical", and added that Americans “would never contemplate anything like the EU for themselves or for their neighbours in their own hemisphere.”
He further rubbished Obama’s claims that the UK has more influence inside the EU than outside, saying that the UK was outvoted 40 times in the EU over the past five years.
"The total bill for those defeats - in extra costs for UK government and business - is put at £2.4bn a year," he added.
Obama's visit to the UK is part of a tour which also includes Germany and Saudi Arabia, from where he has just left after having discussions with King Salman on issues including Iran, Syria, Yemen and the fight against so-called Islamic State militants.
Obama will also speak at a news conference with Prime Minister David Cameron.
