Mixed reactions of UK's exit from EU

An International Relations and Security analyst, Irbard Ibrahim, says the exit of Britain from the European Union will have serious security ramifications on the UK especially its fight against terrorism. 

He warned that the move will leave the UK vulnerable to attacks. 

In an interview with Radio Ghana, Mr Ibrahim said the development could also impact negatively on the unity of the African Union as it could open the flood gates for some member countries of the AU to leave the Union. 

Mr Ibrahim however debunked the assertion that the exit would adversely affect the economy of the UK.

Meanwhile, International Relations Expert and Minister of State in charge of Public, Private Partnership, PPP, Alhaji Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, says though the exit of Britain from the European Union could significantly affect the economy of that country, Ghanaians in the UK will heave a sigh of relief as the development will restrict the number of immigrants from other European countries who usually compete with Ghanaians and other nationals in the United Kingdom for jobs. 

In an interview with Radio Ghana, Dr Pelpuo said Britain's exit will also enable Ghana to negotiate flexible trade agreements with the UK. 

In a related development, a Lecturer at the Economics Department of the University of Ghana, Dr Ebo Turkson, has been commenting on the economic implications of Britain's exit from the EU. 

He outlines some of the implications in an interview with Radio Ghana. 

Dr Turkson explains the impact of the development on Ghana under the Economic Partnership Agreement, EPA, with EU.

Global Reaction

Following UK's exit from the European Union, GBC has been monitoring reactions on the international scene. 

Most world leaders see the exit as a blow to EU integration.  

Germany's Foreign office tweeted a quotation from Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier which said "the news from Britain is really sobering", it looks like a sad day for Europe and Britain.  

The Irish government said the results clearly have a significant implication for Ireland as well as for Britain and the European Union. 

French President Francois Hollande indicated that the British vote seriously puts Europe to the test.  He however said he respects the painful choice. 

Mr Hollande said France will continue to work with the UK. President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko said it's a pity, but they would rather mind their business. 

The Swedish Prime Minister, Stefan Lofven said the debate and campaigning in the run-up to the referendum should serve as a wake-up call for Europe, adding that EU cooperation must be developed and improved. 

Austrian Foreign Minister, Sebastian Kurz, thinks a domino effect on other countries cannot be ruled out. 

He was optimistic that the EU would survive. 

The Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, pledged his country's commitment to the EU. 

He said the EU is the area of great prosperity and wellbeing adding that it will continue to build a better future with the EU. 

The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, said the UK will remain a strong and committed NATO ally and will continue to play its leading role in the alliance.


GBC