‘There won’t be an EU army’ if voters elect to stay IN Europe, says Chuka Umunna

THERE will not be a European Union (EU) army if voters choose to stay in at the June referendum, says Chuka Umunna.

Along with immigration and tax issues, the potential creation of an EU army has been one of the main complaints from anti-EU campaigners.

Initiatives include strengthening cyber warfare abilities and relaxing German's self imposed restrictions about deploying troops in peacetime within the country.

But at the Express EU debate, held at the central London offices, Labour's MP Chuka Umunna told viewers there will be no EU army if the UK opts to stay in the union.

He said: "Look on this issues of a European Union army, we would have a veto on that.

"There is not going to be a European Union army.

"There is absolutely no need for one."

Media reports claim a white paper on the EU army has already been drawn up by Berlin — but hoped to keep the plans secret until after June 23.

But the proposals have been leaked, revealing steps to "gradually co-ordinate Europe's patchwork of national militaries and launch permanent cooperation under common structures among the member states."

Colonel Richard Kemp, who formerly  worked on a committee to advise the Government on issues of national security, warned Brussels' "ultimate plan" was to bring the national armies of the bloc's member states under one command.

The idea resurfaced last year when European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker called for an international force.  

The Berlin project would see the construction of a joint civil military headquarters for EU operations, a council of defence ministers and better production and sharing of military equipment.

But officials say there are no plans for the EU army as yet — although Germany and France will relaunch closer military ties this month, and could even start a common defence fund.

Jacob Rees-Mogg was not convinced however, and said he was convinced that an EU army would be implemented if the UK state din the union.

He added: "There is enhanced cooperation. The proposal is for enhanced cooperation which only requires nine member states to go ahead.

"On the sanctions on Russian figures, the EU list was watered down compared to the US list because the EU thought it affected the human rights of some of Putin's cronies.

"So the EU is weak when it comes to foreign policy and it does have plans for an army."

He added sovereignty was a key issue in the EU debate.

Nigel Farage added he was "very worried" the prospect of an EU army as he worried Britain would be "dragged" into new conflicts.

With just 20 days to go until the June referendum, key individuals from both the Leave and Remain camps went head-to-head in the EU debate.

Ukip leader Nigel Farage, Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg and Labour's Kate Hoey made the case for Brexit — facing Umunna, Siobhain McDonagh, and Innocent Smoothies co-founder Richard Reed.