In London, Obama to wade into Brexit debate 'as a friend'

U.S. President Barack Obama delivers remarks to start the final plenary session as he sits with British Prime Minister David Cameron (R) at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, in this April 1, 2016 file photo. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/Files

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama will put himself in an unusual, and risky, position next week in London: smack-dab in the middle of the heated British debate over whether to remain part of the European Union.

The White House believes the United Kingdom is better off economically and politically if it stays part of the European Union - a candid argument Obama will likely make during a news conference and a town hall with young Britons.