PM Cameron warns UK leaving EU could increase risk of war

World Today

United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron warned that his country leaving the European Union could increase the risk of war. This comes as voting for whether the U.K. will either leave or stay in the EU draws near.

CCTV’s Richard Bestic has this report.

Drawing on the lessons of Europe’s darkest hour, Cameron warned it could happen again.

“Can we be so sure that peace and stability on our continent are assured beyond any shadow of doubt. Is that a risk worth taking I would never be so rash as to make that assumption,” Cameron said.

He harked back to the millions who died in World War II and the role the EU had in bringing peace to the continent.

“The European Union has helped reconcile countries which were once at each other’s throats for decades. Britain has a fundamental national interest in maintaining common purpose in Europe to avoid future conflict between European countries. And that requires British leadership and for Britain to remain a member,” Cameron added.

Cameron pointed to the dangers of what he called a newly belligerent Russia and the risks posed by Islamic State terrorists.

His speech coupled with a pro-EU video, with the words of a generation sacrificed to European war, including those of Britain’s most decorated soldier, 92-year-old Field Marshal Edwin Bramall.

Those campaigning to leave the 28 nation-trading bloc have ridiculed Cameron’s claims. Former London Mayor Boris Johnson has accused the Prime Minister of desperation.

Cameron’s speech comes as opinion polls remain stubbornly fixed on a 50-50 divide between those in Britain who would stay in the EU and those who would leave.