RISK: Former UK prime ministers caution against Brexit

Former British Prime Ministers, Tony Blair and Sir John Major share a platform for the Remain campaign at the University of Ulster in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, 09 June 2016. EPA/BRIAN LAWLESS UK AND IRELAND OUT

Two former prime ministers have put their political differences aside to warn British voters that leaving the European Union would be a mistake. John Major and Tony Blair spoke at a university in Northern Ireland about their concern over Britain’s upcoming referendum on its membership in the 28-nation bloc. Blair urged Northern Ireland voters not to listen to those who favour leaving the EU.

The Guardian reported that Major said Brexit would have a “wholly negative effect” on the relationship between the UK and Ireland. “And though I have no doubt, whatever happens, that those relations between the UK and Ireland will remain cordial, I do worry about the prospect of a British exit. Which would leave Ireland on the other side of the table in a new negotiation between Britain and 27 other European Union nations.”

Read: Lloyds, IUA, Fidelis say Brexit puts 34,000 insurance jobs at risk

He also warned that a departure from the EU would significantly decrease investment in the UK. “…there will be a much smaller investment in every part of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. And that investment isn’t abstract. It’s jobs.”

Read more live quotes from Major and Blair.

This story was originally published by Canadian Insurance Top Broker.