UK events overshadowed by debate about leaving EU

Associated Press

LONDON

It’s springtime in London, but President Barack Obama might sense a chill in the air.

The U.S. leader is being welcomed by British Prime Minister David Cameron and wined and dined by the royal family on a three-day visit to the U.K. that began 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 U.K. politicians bluntly telling the president to butt out of Britain’s debate. They have branded Obama “anti-British” and “unsuccessful” and accused him of meddling for suggesting that the U.S. would be happier if Britain stayed in the bloc.

The White House says Obama is willing to speak out on the subject.

“If he’s asked his view as a friend, he will offer it,” U.S. 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.”

In an op-ed published in the Telegraph newspaper, Obama wrote that Great Britain’s presence in the EU “magnifies” Britain’s influence and helps spread “British values.”

In the piece published Thursday evening as he arrived in London, Obama writes that he’s offering his view “with the candor of a friend” and notes the decision will affect U.S. interests.

Obama’s agenda before he leaves for Germany on Sunday includes talks with Cameron on the global economy, on countering an increasingly assertive Russia and on the fight against the Islamic State group.

Peter Wittig, Germany’s ambassador to the U.S., told reporters Thursday he hopes Obama will use his influence with British politicians and society to try to persuade them to remain in the EU.