DHAKA: A declaration at the G7 meeting in Japan says a vote by the UK to leave the European Union would pose a ‘serious threat to global growth’.

In its final statement, the group warned that a UK exit from the EU would reverse the trend of increased global trade, investment and jobs, reports the BBC.

The meeting brings together the world’s leading seven industrialized nations.

The final communiqué set global growth as a priority for dealing with threats to the world’s economy and security.

But the warning about the economic consequences of the UK leaving the European Union comes as Britain prepares for a referendum on 23 June.

Prime Minister David Cameron has been campaigning for Britain to stay within the 28-country bloc with recent polls suggesting a lead for those who support remaining within the EU.

That Brexit has been seen as a serious risk to the world economy at the G7 shouldn’t surprise anyone.

The G7 finance ministers meeting over the weekend in Sendai came to the same conclusion - and it was what the Japanese Central Bank Governor Haruhiko Kuroda told me in an interview earlier this week.

What is surprising is how much of an impact this communiqué says a yes vote will have on global growth - jobs, investment and trade will be affected.

But it's also sentiment - investors are nervous about what Brexit will mean for confidence in Europe and how it will change the landscape of the world economy.

No one likes uncertainty, and with 26 days left before the referendum, expect a lot more of these sorts of global statements.

BDST: 1234 HRS, MAY 29, 2016
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