Police chiefs: Leaving would put nation’s security at risk

SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT LEAVING the European Union would be a “gamble” with Britain’s security that would put the country at greater risk of terrorist attacks, an alliance of seven top police chiefs warns today.

In an open letter, the former chief constables say it is “vital” to be able to share fingerprint data and criminal records with police across Europe to stop jihadists and criminal gangs. There is “no case” for putting Britain’s security at risk by withdrawing from the EU, they warn.

The letter comes as Sir Hugh Orde, the former president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, warned of potential tragedies in the Channel, if more migrants try to get to Britain in small inflatable boats.

The letter has been signed by Sir Hugh and Sir Matt Baggott, former chief constables of the Police Service of Northern Ireland; Lord Blair of Boughton and Lord Condon, former Metropolitan Police commissioners; Sir Peter Fahy, former chief constable of Greater Manchester Police; Sir Paul Scott-Lee, former chief constable of Suffolk and West Midlands Police; and Peter Neyroud, former chief constable of Thames Valley Police.

They write: “We believe Britain will be safer inside the EU, and that leaving Europe would make us less safe and put us at a disadvantage in tackling terrorism and organised crime. We can see no case for taking such a gamble.”

EU membership means police can “freely share” fingerprints and criminal records with 27 countries. “Access to this information is vital to track down criminals who want to cause us harm,” the letter says.