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Tony Blair under fire for yet another Brexit warning

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has issued an appeal to the UK public to vote to re...
Newstalk
Newstalk

13.31 4 May 2016


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Tony Blair under fire for yet...

Tony Blair under fire for yet another Brexit warning

Newstalk
Newstalk

13.31 4 May 2016


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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has issued an appeal to the UK public to vote to remain in the EU on June 23rd.

Blair has already come under fire from 'Vote Leave' campaigners for opining that "rational" people would listen to US President Barack Obama. Obama visited Europe last month to voice his opposition to a Brexit and was criticised in certain quarters for his interference, as well as the suggestion that the UK would face an extremely long wait for a trade deal with the US should they opt out of the EU.

In a new interview with Bloomberg TV in Los Angeles, Blair said:

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"When you look at the polls, they're pretty evenly matched. But my best instinct about this is that the country will do the sensible thing and stay in the EU.

"If we were to leave it would put a level of economic insecurity into the ordinary family household that I think most people would think is a foolish risk to take. But I have to say I look at politics round the world these days and it's in an unpredictable state.

"If you're rational, the view of the president of the most powerful country in the world and our biggest ally should matter. When someone like President Obama comes, I think it's important we know his view. It does count.

"Personally, I do not feel that the immigration from eastern Europe was a problem for Britain. I think those people contribute far more in taxes than they ever take in benefits. They're hard-working people, they're good members of our community. And the benefit of having eastern Europe in the EU is enormous".

In a statement, a 'Vote Leave' spokesperson said:

"Tony Blair consistently failed to get a good deal for Britain from the EU, squandering our rebate and irresponsibly opening up our borders.

"There's nothing rational about giving Brussels £350 million a week only to allow it to undermine our democracy, our economy and our borders".

Plans are afoot for former US President Bill Clinton to fly to the UK and join Blair in the anti-Brexit campaigning soon.

Clinton's wife and Democratic US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has also made it clear that she wants the UK to remain in the EU.

Talking to the Times, Clinton's senior policy advisor Jake Sullivan said:

"Hillary Clinton believes that transatlantic co-operation is essential, and that cooperation is strongest when Europe is united. She has always valued a strong United Kingdom in a strong EU. And she values a strong British voice in the EU".


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