Brexit would damage EU members too, leading economist warns

Economist lays out headaches for EU if UK voted to leave, including lower investment, more migration, smaller budget and less influence on global stage

The UK's exit from the European Union could leave weak member countries exposed to a rise in migrants and reduce the influence of the remaining 27 states on the global stage, according to a leading economist.

Jennifer McKeown, senior European economist at Capital Economics, said: "The EU is in a precarious state already, with GDP in most countries still below its 2008 level, refugee inflows adding to pressure on resources and policymakers struggling to respond.

Related: German poll finds one in three firms would leave UK after Brexit