German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel checks his phone before a cabinet meeting at the German government guesthouse Meseberg Palace, Germany, May 25, 2016. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's Vice-Chancellor warned of serious economic and political costs if Britain were to leave the European Union after a June 23 referendum on membership, saying on Wednesday it would also damage confidence in the bloc.
Most mainstream German politicians have outlined the benefits of keeping Britain, an ally in several areas of EU policy, in the bloc although they are wary of being seen to tell Britons what to do.
