During May 2016 we found ourselves engulfed in local elections involving London’s Lord Mayor, city councils and Police and Crime Commissioners. Judging by the average turn out by voters it did not seem to generate too much interest, though of course it should. Another case of taking too much for granted in a free and democratic society. While the ‘in or out’ debate continues with each side trying to make a case to justify your support the security industry as a whole should be taking note.
Caution
Those with the knowledge, expertise and experience are erring on the side of caution stating that exit is a risk we should not take. In matters of national security caution is a vital watchword and facts suggest we should continue to build collaboration with our EU partners against common threats and play an active role in promoting security stability throughout Europe. Quite a lot is being made about having enjoyed around 50 years of relative peace in Europe. We should not become complacent and simply think that the peace we have become used to will never be disturbed. History and what we see taking place in other parts of the world seems to suggest that to believe nothing will change may just be a dangerous delusion.
Threat
Those engaged in security at all levels will need to up their game as some of what is happening in various parts of the world threatens to spill over and have an impact in Europe and particularly in the UK. Terrorist plots inspired by hostiles, cyber attacks on UK companies, widespread fraud and seriously organised crime gangs operating inside and outside of European boundaries see us as a prime target for crime and a source of rich pickings. These are just some of the threats facing this country, and it has been said by some of the leading security experts involved in our national security that they are the most severe set of security challenges for a generation.
Expert say
Sir John Sawers, the former head of MI6 and Baron Evans of Weardale the former head of MI5, both were quoted in the media in May that they believed leaving the EU could undermine our ability to protect ourselves. In an article for The Sunday Times the former intelligence chiefs warned that a vote for Brexit could damage intelligence sharing and the EU might restrict surveillance powers, if the UK were not in Europe. They added a vital point by stating that as an EU member we shape the debate, we push for what we think is the right balance between security and privacy and we benefit from the data that flows as a result. They claimed that they were not making their views known at any person’s behest and that they were completely politically neutral.
UK security
The fact is there is no European intelligence service but what we gain from being a European partner matters to the UK across a spectrum of security activities which helps to protect the country on a number of fronts. It goes without saying that the terms on which we exchange data is set by agreement and is protected by privacy legislation. Whenever we travel we get frustrated by the security checks and the long queues at passport control even though we know these precautions are in place to protect us. With EU border controls every traveller wishing to enter the UK has their passport checked even before they leave their destination and before they set out to reach this country. Border control officers can only act if they have information that a traveller poses a security risk so the sharing of data within the EU makes such information vital.
The Home Secretary Theresa May recently pushed for an agreement within the EU on exchanging airline passenger records in an effort to curb those intent on travelling to destinations in Europe solely to commit serious crime or take part in terrorism. Although the European arrest warrant introduction has not been without controversy it has been instrumental in extraditing over 5,000 persons wanted for crimes throughout Europe. The other side of the coin is that UK criminals and extremists can no longer find refuge in Europe and the days of Costa Del crime have significantly diminished.
The devastating terrorist attacks inflicted on the innocent in Paris and Brussels clearly show that even with the undeniable quality and dedication of national security services it is never good enough when massacres like these are committed by people dedicated to commit harm by whatever means they can.
Behind politics
Whatever side you consider yourself to be on, and for whatever reason you make your choice, just remember that when it comes to making that important vote your decision will impact on the generations to come. Those involved in the security industry may well have however another burden to bear because your decision may impact on the grass-roots security levels required to protect those industries and clients you work for if you are a Brexit supporter. I am still undecided based on the mixed messages I listen to as the date gets nearer for a decision.
The final word
David Cameron our Prime Minister leads the ‘stay’ campaign making a passionate plea that if you love this country, if you want to keep it strong in the world and keep our people safe, our membership of the EU is one of the tools that helps us do these things, like our membership of NATO or the UN Council. No one can question the fact that the UK is one of the prime targets for foreign criminals but whether a vote for Brexit will change the face of crime and how we deal with it only time will give the answer.
