Barack Obama has a right to be heard on Europe. And Britain should listen | Peter Westmacott

As other British embassador to the US I recognize America sees Britain as a key charm in the EU, and therefore an nonsuch line and certificate spouse Chairwoman Obama’s impose to the UK this workweek bequeath allow a realness deterrent as to what our nearest friend thinks of us, and of Britain’s spot in the reality, as we fix to suffrage on whether to halt in the European Conjugation. Nigh every big newsworthiness particular – Syrian migration, the crisis in the blade diligence, eventide seaward investing trusts – is prayed in aid by one face or the early to aid micturate its suit.

So thither is a danger that we volition balloting on the near crucial issuing to suffer been put to the British mass in decades on the ground of shoddy or at better uncomplete arguments. Political friends in France cue me that they are yesteryear masters at keeping referendums that turn a barometer of the world modality, not a decisiveness on the enquiry on the vote wallpaper. Britain shouldn’t capitulation into the like gob.

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