European Union: United Kingdom Membership

Debate between Lord Robertson of Port Ellen and Baroness Anelay of St Johns

Monday 23rd May 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (Lab)]

As one of the signatories to the letter concerned, perhaps I may suggest that the reason why five former Secretaries-General of NATO have taken the unprecedented step of speaking out at this time is the genuine concern that Britain might leave the European Union. As the letter quite clearly says, that would weaken British influence and weaken NATO at the same time. Surely, the Minister will agree that, at a time when we face unprecedented threats and challenges in the world today, a weakened NATO would be very dangerous indeed.

[Baroness Anelay of St Johns]

The noble Lord is right and he speaks from practical and detailed experience.