The UK must stay in the EU because “peace and security” should never be taken for granted, SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson said yesterday.
He urged the prime minister to stress the positive advantages of co-operation and stability in the remaining weeks before the referendum – instead of just pressing the economic case and arguments about citizens’ rights.
David Cameron said he would always give greatest credit to Nato for keeping the peace in Europe.
But he agreed the EU had played its role as well, adding he “never forgets” that countries round the table were previously at war.
The exchange came during Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons as it emerged the deadline for registering to vote in the June 23 referendum had been extended to midnight today.
Thousands of people were prevented from registering by the original deadline of midnight on Tuesday when a government website crashed.
Speaking in the chamber, Mr Robertson hailed the Jutland centenary commemorations last week when the PM joined the German president in Orkney to remember the thousands of dead.
The Moray MP added: “European cooperation emerged from both world wars as the best way to secure peace, so do you agree that we should never take peace and security for granted, and that that is a strong reason to remain in the EU?”
Mr Cameron said the words World War III had never passed his lips, but added: “Can we really take for granted the security and stability we enjoy today, when we know that our continent has been racked by so many conflicts in the past?
“Like all Conservatives, I would always give the greatest credit to Nato for keeping the peace, but I think that it has always been a Conservative view that the EU has played its role as well.”
Mr Robertson pointed out there had been wars on the European continent, but outside the EU.
He added: “It is a fact that there has never been a single example of armed conflict between member states of the EU.
“Peace and prosperity are an advantage to us all, and that is why we should remain in the EU.”
Mr Cameron said the “strongest argument” for the UK Government’s position of wanting to Remain was that the country would be better off.
But he added: “The argument that we are safer and more secure because the EU is a means for dialogue between countries that were previously adversaries is one that I never forget, however frustrating it can get around that table.”