Brexit: U2 says Europe without Britain seems unimaginable

Liam Neeson urges Irish in UK to vote Remain to avoid worst ramifications for Ireland

U2 called on Irish people living in the UK to vote remain in Thursday’s EU referendum. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh
U2 called on Irish people living in the UK to vote remain in Thursday’s EU referendum. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh

Irish musicians U2 have backed a remain vote in Britain's European Union referendum, saying Europe without Britain seems unimaginable.

The band posted a video on its Facebook page from British Irish group Irish4Europe. The video says a vote to leave the European Union could damage progress in Northern Ireland.

“We were asked to repost this video, we like it and we’re humbled to be in it. For Irish voters in Britain, don’t go we’d miss you… Europe without Britain seems unimaginable to us. Bono, Edge, Adam, Larry,” U2 wrote.

Voters will cast their ballots on Thursday as tightening polls suggest that the result of the referendum is too close to call.

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Separately, Irish actor Liam Neeson added his voice to the campaign, also urging voters remain in the EU.

“I would like to lend my voice to Irish4Europe’s campaign to encourage Irish citizens to vote for the UK to remain in the EU.

“A UK exit would have the worst ramifications for the island of Ireland. Economically, this would be a backwards step for Ireland.

“Border controls would be implemented to allegedly stop illegal immigrants coming into the UK through the back door. Trade will be enormously impacted. It would be truly a shame to sacrifice all the progress that has been made by the peace process regarding border controls. There is strength in unity. A Brexit vote will make us weak. I urge you to go out and vote to remain in the EU.”

Irish4Europe communications director David D’Arcy said: “Irish represent up to 10 per cent of the UK electorate and we are asking each and every one of those Irish voters to make voting Remain their first task tomorrow.”

Dan Griffin

Dan Griffin

Dan Griffin is an Irish Times journalist