Weighing up Britain's defence relationships

Downing Street might like you to think the British military establishment is firmly against Brexit. Last month it released a letter, allegedly signed by 13 former generals, admirals and air marshals in support of Britain's EU membership. But it dramatically backfired. 

One of the generals named, Sir Michael Rose, quickly disowned it and Number 10 was forced to issue an apology. As with much of the EU debate, when it comes to defence and national security there are more opinions than hard facts. This is just an attempt to help navigate some of the issues concerning security and defence.

Nato has taken the lead in military operations

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Nato or EU?

Even the most ardent pro-European Union supporter would admit that Nato, rather than the EU, is the bedrock of Britain's defence.

It is the Nato alliance that's set the target of spending 2% of the nation's GDP on defence. Within the EU, Britain has been one of the few countries to meet that goal. Most EU states have, until recently, been slashing their defence spending.

Nato has taken the lead in military operations and is responsible for the collective defence of Europe. And you don't have to be a member of the EU to be a member of Nato - think of Canada and Norway.

Nevertheless it is hard to argue that the EU has no relevance to our national security - beyond the economic security that many British defence companies are citing as a reason to stay.

There have also been a number of EU military missions. For instance, EUFOR to keep the peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and EUNAVFOR, a European naval force tackling piracy in the Horn of Africa, which, incidentally, has its headquarters in Northwood.

In terms of confronting organised crime there's Europol along with the European Arrest Warrant. The EU has also acted together as a trade bloc to impose sanctions. President Obama might take the credit for the Iran nuclear deal, but the EU too was at the negotiating table.