As the Conservatives pedal polarising rhetoric on immigration and crime, they ignore the damage that leaving the EU has done to our domestic security
Liberal Democrats start from a firm commitment to working more closely with our neighbours and allies in pursuit of our core defence and security interests
Lord Wallace of Saltaire, 2010
With the Russian war on Ukraine, the growing threat of China, the growing number of refugees dangerously crossing the English Channel and growing international crime networks, domestic security is increasingly impacted by international affairs. However, whilst many in the Conservatives seek to blame the EU, the French of the ECHR for the challenges we face, they ignore the benefits of EU membership and cooperation that would have helped, and still could help, make the UK safer.
On the War in Ukraine, for instance, information sharing between the UK and the EU as well as procurement coordination for military and defence ensures that the European continent can act as a united military front and better support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia.
On the protection of refugees and asylum seekers, the UK's leaving of the EU has led to us losing the powers we had under the 'Dublin system', to return refugees and asylum seekers to countries in the EU where they would be better supported. Furthermore, the loss of access to the Schengen Information System (SIS-II) has led to information not being shared effectively and speedily, meaning that the UK has greater difficulty in stopping international criminals and traffickers.
Liberal Democrat MP, Alistair Carmichael: "I am sure that like me, you are still shocked by the tragic events of this weekend, when six people died after a boat capsized in the Channel"
LDEG are pleased to reprint below a copy of a speech made by our Executive Member Graham Jones to the Oxford Branch of the United Nations Association
