Barack Obama: 'Britain and the US are indispensable partners despite Brexit'

Partners: President Barack Obama said the US respected Britain's decision to leave the EU
EPA/MOLLY RILEY
Laura Proto24 June 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Barack Obama has said the relationship between Washington and London will continue despite the UK voting to leave the European Union.

The US president said his nation respects the decision of UK voters and both countries will remain “indispensable partners”.

But he also paid tribute to the EU, saying it has achieved "so much" to foster democratic values and ideals.

In a statement, President Obama said: "The people of the United Kingdom have spoken, and we respect their decision.

"The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is enduring, and the United Kingdom's membership in Nato remains a vital cornerstone of US foreign, security and economic policy.

"So too is our relationship with the European Union, which has done so much to promote stability, stimulate economic growth, and foster the spread of democratic values and ideals across the continent and beyond.

"The United Kingdom and the European Union will remain indispensable partners of the United States even as they begin negotiating their ongoing relationship to ensure continued stability, security and prosperity for Europe, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the world."

London and Scotland voted in favour of remaining in the EU, but the final vote counts showed more than 17.4 million were cast for Leave to Remain's 16.1 million.

The US president had hoped the UK would remain in the EU and President Obama used a high-profile visit to London to warn that Britain would be at the "back of the queue" for a trade deal in the event of Brexit.

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