Dan Jarvis says Britain MUST remain in the EU to keep our country safe
The Labour MP and former soldier says leaving the EU would make Britain's borders less secure
Mirror
Warning: Dan Jarvis says leaving the EU would not make the UK safer
Our country faces grave security challenges – from international terrorism, organised crime, the conflict in Syria and an increasingly provocative regime in Russia.
Our ability to meet those challenges is at stake in the forthcoming EU referendum.
Those who want to leave Europe believe the solution is to pull up the drawbridge. They think the UK would be safer going it alone.
In a world where a terrorist in Raqqa can instant message a teenager in Reading there is now no drawbridge to pull up.
Secure borders are rightly a key concern for people.
But leaving would make the UK’s borders less secure – with our UK border inevitably moving from Calais to Dover. How would this make the country safer?
PA
Safer: Dan Jarvis insists Britain will be safer it is remains in the EU
The threats posed to the UK’s security are just like the threats posed to the rest of Europe – from trafficking to terrorism.
We rightly work closely with our neighbours in the EU to ensure we are all safer. We shouldn’t risk jeopardising these networks.
The European Arrest Warrant for example means there is no safe haven in Europe for criminals and terrorists to escape justice.
Hussain Osman attempted to bomb the London Underground on 21 July 2005 – but because of the European Arrest Warrant and co-operation with our EU allies he was brought to justice.
This threat remains. We saw that with the tragic events in Paris last November, where 130 innocent people were murdered.
Our security services have foiled numerous attempts by the so-called Islamic State and other extremist groups to attack us.
PA
Foiled: Hussain Osman tried to bomb the London Undeground
Our ability to prevent these attacks is aided by close working and intelligence and data sharing with our EU partners.
The EU is also playing a key role in delivering a negotiated political solution to the Syria crisis.
A solution there would make us safer – so why leave the EU and undermine our ability to influence how we keep our country safe?
And on Europe’s border there is one person who relishes the possibility of us voting to leave.
Vladimir Putin and the Russian regime have had a long-term aim to weaken the EU. A Brexit would play right into his hands.
Long-term aim: Russian President Vladimir Putin has long wanted to weaken the EU
Around the world, countries like the US and China are mystified that we risk diluting our influence in the world by considering leaving Europe – they know that Britain’s power and influence is enlarged by being part of the EU.
We should also pause to reflect on the role the EU has played in helping to keep the peace.
Though taken for granted by some today, given the 70 years of peace enjoyed in Western Europe, we should listen to men like John Ainsworth, a 96 year-old veteran of the Battle of Normandy.
John saw first-hand the horror of European countries turning on each other and will be voting to remain.
Leaving the EU will not strengthen us, it will make us less safe and more vulnerable. Britain is stronger, safer and more secure in Europe.
