Now Tony Blair says Britons MUST LISTEN to Obama's Brexit scaremongering
TONY Blair has claimed "rational" Britons will listen to Barack Obama's warnings about the dangers of quitting the EU.
Tony Blair defend Barack Obama for wading into the EU referendum debate
Obama sparked widespread anger last month when he said the UK would struggle to trade with the US in the event of Brexit.
But Blair dismissed claims Obama should say out of the EU debate, saying it was "important" that Britons know the views of Obama.
He also insisted voters would "do the sensible thing" by voting to stay in the 28-member bloc in June's referendum.
In a typically outspoken intervention, Blair said: "I look at politics around the world these days and it's in an unpredictable state.
"If you're rational, the view of the president of the most powerful country in the world and our biggest ally should matter.
"When someone like President Obama comes, I think it's important we know his view. It does count."
Obama speaks to David Cameron during last month's visit to Downing Street
The country will do the sensible thing and stay in the EU
The former Prime Minister added: "When you look at the polls, they're pretty evenly matched.
"But my best instinct about this is that the country will do the sensible thing and stay in the EU.
"Leaving would put a level of economic insecurity into the ordinary family household that I think most people would think is a foolish risk to take."
Blair also defended the wave of immigration from eastern Europe under Labour
Blair also insisted the wave of immigration from eastern European countries under New Labour had not been a problem for the UK.
He told Bloomberg TV: "Personally, I do not feel that the immigration from eastern Europe was a problem for Britain.
"I think those people contribute far more in taxes than they ever take in benefits. They're hard-working people, they're good members of our community.
A Vote Leave spokesman said: "Tony Blair consistently failed to get a good deal for Britain from the EU, squandering our rebate and irresponsibly opening up our borders.
"There's nothing rational about giving Brussels £350million a week only to allow it to undermine our democracy, our economy and our borders.
"The sensible thing is take back control on 23 June and Vote Leave."