Leaving the EU is a security risk for UK, say spy chiefs

Former head of MI5, Baron Evans of Weardale, and MI6, Sir John Sawers, warned on the 8 May 2016 that leaving the European Union would undermine the United Kingdom's ability to protect itself from terrorist threat.

However, politicians and others from the Leave campaign disputed the assertions.

Hear also the audio (via the related url below) of a presentation by The Rt Hon Baroness Manningham-Buller, President, Chatham House; Chair, The Wellcome Trust; Director General of MI5 (2002-07) at Chatham House on the 11 May 2016 'Brexit and National Security: Separating Fact from Myth'.

• Primary Source

BBC News, 08.05.16: Row as ex-intelligence chiefs say EU membership protects UK security http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-36239741

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

Chatham House: Audio, 11.05.16: Brexit and National Security: Separating Fact from Myth https://www.chathamhouse.org/event/brexit-and-national-security-separating-fact-myth

ESO: Background information: PM speech on the UK's strength and security in the EU: 9 May 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/pm-speech-on-the-uks-strength-and-security-in-the-eu-9-may-2016/

Blog: Open Europe, 12.05.16: Foreign policy, security and terrorism – vote winning themes in the EU referendum? http://openeurope.org.uk/today/blog/foreign-policy-security-terrorism-vote-winning-themes-eu-referendum/

ESO: Background information: Home Secretary’s speech on the UK, EU and our place in the world http://www.europeansources.info/record/speech-home-secretarys-speech-on-the-uk-eu-and-our-place-in-the-world/

Vote Leave: Topics: Security: Briefing - Security - Vote Leave is the safer option http://www.voteleavetakecontrol.org/briefing_safety

BBC News, 31.01.18: What does Brexit mean for Britain's spies? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42875215

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