DHAKA: Finance ministers from the world’s leading economies are warning of a ‘shock’ to the global economy if the UK leaves the EU.

The ministers give their assessment in a statement released at the end of a two-day meeting of G20 nations in China.

UK Chancellor George Osborne, who is at the event, told the BBC the issue was ‘deadly serious’.

The UK will vote on whether to leave or remain in the EU on 23 June.

UK, Chinese and American officials and the head of the IMF, Christine Lagarde, have been discussing key issues to the global economy during a G20 summit in Shanghai since Friday.

The outcome of the UK’s EU referendum has been mentioned among global risks to the world economy and is set to appear in the final communique, according to a draft seen by BBC News.

BBC political correspondent Robin Brant said the draft was not expected to change.

Officials traveling with George Osborne say this prominent mention of the UK’s referendum in the final communique is unusual - but Osborne has denied that he pushed for it.

BDST: 1637 HRS, FEB 27, 2016
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