Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump shakes the hand of a supporter during a rally in Charleston, West Virginia. (Photo: AP)
Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump shakes the hand of a supporter during a rally in Charleston, West Virginia. (Photo: AP)
Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump said on Thursday that he thought Britain would be better off out of the European Union, the opposite stance to that taken by his likely rival Hillary Clinton and by many political leaders around the world.
Britons will vote in a referendum on June 23 on whether to leave the 28-member EU, a momentous decision with trade, investment, defence and political ramifications that stretch far beyond Britain’s borders.
“I would say that they’re better off without it personally, but I’m not making that as a recommendation — just my feeling,” Mr Trump said in an interview with Fox News television, adding that he wanted Britons to make their own decision.
“I think the migration has been a horrible thing for Europe. A lot of that was pushed by the EU,” he said, without providing any specifics.
Initial reaction to Mr Trump’s comments was muted in Britain where the focus was on the incoming results of local and regional elections.
Given Mr Trump’s controversial statements and his negative image in the eyes of many Europeans, including Britons, it is not clear whether his endorsement would be good, bad or indifferent for Britain’s “Leave” campaign.
US President Barack Obama had made a passionate intervention in the debate during a visit to London in April, saying EU membership magnified Britain’s role and made it more prosperous.
