PARIS (AP) – French politicians targeted the British referendum on EU membership on Thursday, warning that leaving the 28-nation bloc would give London new problems regarding migrants, banking and terrorism.
Ahead of the first summit of the French and British leaders since the deadly Nov. 13 attacks in Paris, two members of France’s Socialist government warned that a British departure from the European Union will make it harder to block migrants from crossing the Channel, would threaten London’s dominance in the financial sector and would complicate security cooperation.
Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron told the Financial Times that the bilateral agreement under which France keeps migrants on its side of the Channel could come into question if the U.K. leaves the EU. Macron also pointedly took aim at London’s role in banking, which relies heavily upon Europe’s open economy.
“The day this relationship unravels, migrants will no longer be in Calais and the financial passport would work less well,” he said.
Britain’s auto industry – including Rolls-Royce Motor Cars – chimed in as well, saying Thursday that the EU’s open borders are good for business. But while many major British corporations want to stay, about 200 small-business entrepreneurs signed a letter saying that leaving the EU would offer more “flexibility and adaptability.”