US President Barack Obama landed at London Stansted yesterday for a three day visit, with plans to meet with politicians as well as lunching with the Queen on her 90th birthday. However, the most controversial talking point of his visit is his stance on Brexit.

In an article published by the Telegraph yesterday evening, Obama weighed in on the Brexit debate and encouraged Britons to vote to stay within the European Union:

“You should be proud that the EU has helped spread British values and practices – democracy, the rule of law, open markets – across the continent and to its periphery. The European Union doesn’t moderate British influence – it magnifies it. A strong Europe is not a threat to Britain’s global leadership; it enhances Britain’s global leadership.”

Many have criticised Obama for choosing to enter the fray on the subject. Liam Fox, the UK’s former defence secretary, commented:

“While the President will be heard respectfully, many of us will be raising an eyebrow at the fact that he thinks that we should accept a diminution of sovereignty that he would never accept.”

Most world leaders outside of the European Union have chosen to stay out of the debate, marking Obama’s comments as a departure from the norm.

22/04/2016