PM denies being 'closet Brexiteer' as G7 makes growth warning

Prime Minister David Cameron has said Britain's rising level of migration was "disappointing" but did not enhance the case for Brexit.

Net migration to the UK rose to 333,000 last year - the second highest level on record - the Office for National Statistics announced on Thursday.

ITV News Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship tweeted:

• Net UK migration second highest level in 2015

Prime Minister David Cameron urged the British public to "listen to our friends" after G7 leaders meeting in Japan warned that an EU Brexit would be a "serious risk" to world growth.

"When you're faced by a difficult decision it's often a good thing to listen to what your friends think," he said in response to a question from ITV News Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship at the Ise-Shima summit.

He added: "There is real economic risk and that is a view shared by the countries that are here."

Prime Minister David Cameron has reiterated the benefits of Britain's role within the European Union after receiving international support at the G7 and denied he is a "closet Brexiteer".

"I've never been a closet anything," he said following claims by his friend and former aide Steve Hilton that he secretly leaned for Britain to leave.

"I have never been a closet Brexiteer. I am absolutely passionate about getting the right result, getting this reform in Europe and remaining part of it. It's in Britain's interests and that's what it is all about."

Mr Cameron said Britain would be "better off in terms of jobs, better off in terms of growth and better off in terms of investment".

A leaders statement at the meeting in Japan said Brexit would be a "serious risk" to world growth.

Mr Cameron said an agreement like the planned EU-Japan trade deal would be "far more difficult" if Britain voted to leave.

Brexit would cause pose a serious risk to global growth, world leaders have warned at the G7 summit in Japan.

Leaders said in a declaration: "UK exit from EU would reverse trend toward greater global trade, investment and jobs. Brexit would be [a] serious risk to global growth."

The group of industrial powers expressed concern about the risks to the world economy amid a modest economic performance, and pledged to seek strong and sustainable growth.

In a statement ending the two-day summit, the G7 said: "Global growth remains moderate and below potential, while risks of weak growth persist. Global growth is our urgent priority."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that although G7 leaders did not specifically discuss the possibility of Britain leaving the EU at their summit meeting, there was a consensus that they wanted Britain to remain in the union.

"It was no subject here," she told reporters on the sidelines of the summit. "But there was the signal that all who sat here want Britain to stay part of the EU. The decision is up to the British voters."

ITV News Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship tweeted from Japan:

• Boris Johnson tells EC president: Come and see how UK has been damaged by EU