It’s springtime in London, but President Barack Obama might sense a chill in the air.
It’s springtime in London, but President Barack Obama might sense a chill in the air.
The United States leader will be welcomed by British Prime Minister David Cameron and wined and dined by the royal family on a three-day visit to the UK that starts late Thursday.
But Britain’s looming June 23 referendum about whether to stay in the 28-nation European Union has strained the “special relationship,” with several senior UK politicians bluntly telling the President to butt out of Britain’s debate. They have branded Mr Obama “anti-British” and “unsuccessful” and accused him of meddling for suggesting that the US would be happier if Britain stayed in the bloc.
The White House says Mr Obama is willing to speak out on the subject.
“If he’s asked his view as a friend, he will offer it,” United States deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said, adding that the American stance was clear. “As the President has said, we support a strong United Kingdom in the European Union.”
Mr Obama’s agenda before he leaves for Germany on Sunday includes talks with Mr Cameron on the global economy, on countering an increasingly assertive Russia and on the fight against the Islamic State group.
The President’s British stopover — one of a series of international visits during his last year in office — will also include a lunch with Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle on Friday — a day after her 90th birthday — and a dinner hosted by Prince William, his wife Kate and Prince Harry at the younger royals’ Kensington Palace home.
But for the British media, the visit will be dominated by the debate over an possible EU exit, dubbed “Brexit.”
Mr Cameron, who is meeting Mr Obama for talks Friday at 10 Downing Street, is eager for the President’s intervention.
