Thu | Apr 25, 2024

Immigration takes center stage in UK campaign to leave EU

Published:Monday | April 25, 2016 | 9:38 AMAP
AP
Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, right, shakes hands with US President Barack Obama, during the president's visit to 10 Downing Street for bilateral talks, in London, last week.

UNITED KINGDOM

LONDON, (AP):

UK politicians who want Britain to leave the European Union are fighting back after President Barack Obama sided with those who want the country to stay in the 28-nation bloc.

Justice Secretary Michael Gove led the charge yesterday, arguing the UK will face a migration "free-for-all" if it votes to remain in the EU in the June 23 referendum. The comment comes after Obama told Britons they would be at the "back of the queue" for a trade deal after an "out" vote.

Gove told the BBC "nobody knows" how long a trade deal would take.

London Mayor Boris Johnson, a supporter of the exit campaign, also spoke after being condemned for his personal attacks on Obama. Johnson said those favouring EU membership should not "crow too soon."