G7: Brexit 'risk to global growth'

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 their 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.

The closing communiqué sets out their consensus on the challenges to the global economy and security situation.

The leaders' warning over the economic consequences over the UK leaving the European union come as Britain prepares for a referendum on the question on June 23.

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 staying in.
Growth priority

After two days of talks, the leaders of the US, Canada, Britain, Italy, Germany, France and Japan set global growth as an "urgent priority."

The group pledged to "collectively tackle" major risks to global growth, including threats to the international order from terrorist attacks and violent extremism.

In their statement they promised to commit "to strengthening our economic policy responses in a cooperative manner and to employing a more forceful and balanced policy mix, in order to swiftly achieve a strong, sustainable and balanced growth pattern".

In their statement, they called for international markets to be kept open and to fight all forms of protectionism.

The leaders also committed their countries to avoiding competitive devaluations of their currencies.
Migrant crisis a global challenge

In addition to focusing on the world's economic challenges, the group also highlighted a number of wider policy issues.

The communiqué described the migrant crisis in Europe "as a global challenge which requires a global response" of increased aid from international financial institutions and donor countries.

The statement went on to express "concern about the situation in the East and South China Seas" where maritime disputes have lead to increasing tensions over the past years.