PM speech on the UK’s strength and security in the EU: 9 May 2016

Author (Corporate)
Series Title
Series Details 09.05.16
Publication Date 09/05/2016
Content Type

United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron set out what the UK’s European Union membership meant for British strength and security in the world in a speech given at the British Museum in London on the 9 May 2016.

In a letter to The Telegraph published on the 10 May 2016 five former secretaries general of Nato said 'Given the scale and range of challenges to peace and stability we face collectively, the Euro-Atlantic community needs an active and engaged United Kingdom. The European Union, with its 500 million people and significant economic power, is a key partner for Nato ... At a time of such global instability, and when Nato is trying to reinforce its role in Eastern Europe, it would be very troubling if Britain ended its membership of the EU'.

In a letter to The Times published on the 10 May 2016 'Special relationship and UK’s clout in Europe' thirteen former US secretaries of state and defence and national security advisers called for the UK to remain in the EU. They said that the UK's 'place and influence' in the world would be diminished if it left the EU - and Europe would be 'dangerously weakened'.

Supporters of the UK leaving the EU criticised the comments contained in the letters and the speech of the Prime Minister.

Source Link Link to Main Source https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-speech-on-the-uks-strength-and-security-in-the-eu-9-may-2016
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