Dearlove argues Brexit would bring security gains by giving UK full control over its security policy.
“There would, in fact, be some gains as if we left because The UK would be fully master of its own house.”
Dearlove challenges claims that leaving the EU would reduce UK security.
“The argument that we would be less secure if we left the EU is, in reality, rather difficult to make.”
Dearlove predicts UK would maintain counter-terrorism leadership and European coordination after Brexit.
“Counterterrorist coordination across Europe would certainly continue, and The UK would remain a leader in the field.”
Dearlove says EU membership does not significantly affect UK counter-terrorism cooperation quality.
“The idea that the quality of that cooperation depends in any significant way on our EU membership is misleading.”
Dearlove states he has seen no convincing evidence of significant Russian intervention in the Brexit referendum.
“I've not seen anything that convinces me at all that the Russians intervened significantly in the Brexit referendum.”
Dearlove rates Brexit turbulence near five out of ten and believes UK can emerge strong with self-confidence.
“I would pick near a five. I think we can emerge from that in a pretty strong position if we do not lose self belief and self confidence.”
Dearlove rates UK's Brexit position as near five out of ten, predicting strength after turbulence.
“two years of turbulence? Probably near a five. I would pick near a five. I think we can emerge from that in a pretty strong position”
Dearlove argues the UK would effectively block Macron's political integration plans for Europe.
“Quite honestly if Macron is determined to integrate Europe politically, as he states, he really doesn't want us to be part of it because we would be very effective in stopping his progress.”
Dearlove says the UK-US relationship extends beyond defense and security to trading terms.
“I think we need to think more broadly. We have a very close relationship with The United States, not only in defense and security terms, but also in trading terms.”
Dearlove states he has seen no convincing evidence of significant Russian intervention in Brexit referendum.
“I don't think I've not seen anything that convinces me at all that the Russians intervened significantly in the Brexit referendum.”
Dearlove states UK is Europe's defense and intelligence leader, deliberately keeping these outside EU control.
“The UK is Europe's defense, security and intelligence leader. We have been very careful over the years not to put any of those equities in the hands of the European communion.”
Dearlove criticizes Cameron and Osborne for misunderstanding intelligence implications of Brexit debate.
“If they'd come and asked me and sat down with me, I could have explained to them why they'd got this wrong.”
Dearlove argues Brexit gave UK flexibility to lead on Ukraine support without EU defense policy constraints.
“I think the fact that we're not constrained by European community membership, by common foreign and defense policy which the EU tries to promote, made a huge difference because we have much more flexibility.”