UK leaving the European Union- G7

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.

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

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.

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