UK would be forced to join EU army if remains in bloc: Minister
The UK armed forces minister has warned that the United Kingdom will be forced to join a European Union Army if it remains as a member of the bloc, a plan that has reportedly been kept secret from British people.
Penny Mordaunt said on Saturday that if the UK stays as a member of the bloc, it “would be bound to support” the Lisbon Treaty that obliges Britain to join the EU Army.
The Treaty of Lisbon was signed by the EU member states in December 2007, and entered into force in December 2009.
"As usual with the EU, the plan for this army would see Britain paying the highest price but getting a raw deal. They've done that with our budget, I'm not going to let that happen to our armed forces," said the minister.
Mordaunt made the remarks after the British Daily Express revealed on Friday that a plan to create a European army was supposed to be kept secret until the day after Britain’s referendum on EU membership on June 23.
The UK Armed Forces Minister is a middle-ranking ministerial position, subordinate only to the Defence Minister.
“EU army plans kept secret from voters,” the daily wrote on Friday.
The plan, drawn up by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, suggests that the EU can step up its contribution to Europe's security and defence.
“Greater unity of purpose is needed across the policy areas making up our external action," said the draft paper.
The armed forces minister, however, called on voters that the only way to avoid an EU army is to back Brexit, a term being used for Britain exiting the EU.
Mordaunt warned that a “centrally controlled army would be a massive step to the EU's goal of full political integration, but it would be a very dangerous move. “
A Government spokesman, however, insisted that Prime Minister David Cameron has repeatedly made clear that the UK will never be part of an EU army.
"We retain a veto on all defense matters in the EU and we will oppose any measures which would undermine member states' military forces," he added.
A spokesman for Mogherini denied the report, saying there is absolutely no plan for setting up an EU army.
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