BREXIT presents “real opportunities” for the UK to secure new trade deals and strengthen the economy, the former governor of the Bank of England Lord King had claimed.
Sir Mervyn King has presented an optimistic outlook for Britain's economy outside the EU
Mr King hit out at Remoaners and insisted Britain should be “self confident” about its prospects upon leaving the crumbling bloc.
In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr King, who headed up the Bank of England three years ago, presented an optimistic outlook for the UK’s independent future.
Being out of what is a pretty unsuccessful European Union - particularly in the economic sense - gives us opportunities as well as obviously great political difficulties
Mervyn King
He said: "I think the challenges we face mean it's not a bed of roses, no one should pretend that, but equally it is not the end of the world and there are some real opportunities that arise from the fact of Brexit we might take.
"Being out of what is a pretty unsuccessful European Union - particularly in the economic sense - gives us opportunities as well as obviously great political difficulties."
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Mervyn King described the EU as 'pretty unsuccessful' in a candid interview
Mr King added: ”There are many opportunities and I think we should look at it in a much more self-confident way than either side is approaching it at present.”
In particular, Mr King highlighted the opportunities leaving the EU presents in terms of signing trade deals with non-EU countries.
But he warned that “question marks” over England’s future connections to the single market are holding back its ability to negotiate new trade agreements.
Mr King said: "I don't think it makes sense for us to pretend we should remain in the single market and I think there are real question marks about whether it makes sense to remain in the customs union.
"Clearly if we do that we cannot make our own trade deals with other countries."
And discussing immigration, Mr King pointed out that it would be incompatible for the UK to remain in the single market, while also expecting to set its own immigration laws.
He advised the Government to outline its immigration policy “sooner rather than later” warning that it would be a mistake to put the issue into the “basket” to be discussed after Article 50 is triggered next year.
Mr King also highlighted agricultural reform as a key area of opportunity brought about by the UK's departure from Brussels bureacracy.
THE EUROPEAN Union's British Security Commissioner will fly to Germany next month to set out how the crumbling bloc will deal with the worsening crisis affecting the free movement of people.
And he will focus on changes to the Schengen visa system that are being put in place but has admitted the security measures being introduced will never ensure 'zero risk' to the public and that they're "not perfect".
Oxford educated Julian King, who was appointed by Jean Claude Juncker, will deliver a speech on "Priorities and Challenges for the Security Union" at the 41st meeting of the Christian Social Union Bundestag faction in Berlin on January 5, it has been confirmed.
The CSU is sister party to Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU), and together they form "The Union".
It is believed Mr King will also discuss the issue with German Chancellor Angela Merkel who has agreed to work with Bavaria's Christian Social Union to focus on common interests ahead of national elections next year.
The announcement comes amid news Berlin market attacker Anis Amri managed to travel from Germany through France and to Italy without being detected after he is alleged to have killed 12 and injured 48 others during a terror attack last week.
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Angela Merkel will host the EU Security Commissioner on January 5
In recent weeks, we've agreed the revised Schengen Border code
Julian King, Security Commissioner
Mr King is expected to outline the background to the history of free movement which was first put forward back in 1957.
At that time it was mainly for workers who wanted to settle in another country when large amounts of asylum seekers did not exist.
However his speech is set to focus on what has happened since Border controls were abolished between Member States.
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Mr King will fly to Germany to lay out new security measures
Europe has a mandatory asylum and immigration policy but that has led to significant backlash after a catalogue of terror attacks across France, Belgium and Germany.
In a speech delivered on Wednesday ahead of his trip to Germany Mr King said: "Our thoughts are with all of those who have lost someone they loved in the terrible attack in Berlin and our solidarity is with all those affected.
"More generally, those who commit these attacks seek to destroy our way of life and our values. But we should not give them satisfaction, we should not stop living our lives.
"The French authorities were right to go ahead with the Euro2016 championships this summer, so are the German authorities when they allow Christmas markets to go ahead.
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Mrs Merkel visited the crash site with other members of her Government
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Mrs Merkel two days after the Berlin crash
"But we can't ignore the risk that exists. There can never be 'zero risk'.
"We can and must continue to reduce the risk of attacks as far as we possibly can.
"National, regional and local authorities are in the front line to both prevent attacks and to deal with the aftermath when they happen - but by standing together, we can be stronger.
"The EU can and does play a key supporting role.
"In recent weeks, we've agreed the revised Schengen Border code.
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Tunisian man Anis Amri is thought to have killed 12 people and injured 48 others
"This will toughen controls on those coming in and out of the EU.
"It is particularly important when some foreign terrorist fighters – as well as non-combatants - may decide to try and return to Europe as some of their strongholds weaken.
"We've also made progress strengthening our security behind our borders – we are working on improving the effectiveness of the various databases we have and how they work together because we are only as strong as our weakest system or database.
"We also need to hit the terrorists where it hurts them: making it harder for them to travel, to train, to finance themselves, to acquire the weapons and explosive they are looking for.
"We've agreed a deal on firearms – it's not perfect, but it will remove the most dangerous military grade weapons from wider circulation, where they have no place.
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Far right protestors demonstrate with flags under the motto 'Close the borders'
"And we've agreed the counter-terrorism directive - travel to and from combat zones, training for the purposes of fighting and the financing of such activities will now be criminalised across the EU."
The news comes as an EU report on Cooperation Justice, freedom and security reveals that crime is significant aspect of the free movement of people.
It states: "Human trafficking, drug trafficking, car theft and counterfeiting have become European problems since the introduction of the euro. In 2008, cybercrime has become increasingly important field.
"There is a call for a European approach.
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A truck crashed into a Christmas market in Berlin killing at least 12 and injuring 48
"Police forces from the Member States therefore work increasingly together."
According to the report all member states entered into an agreement to allow them to exchange personal data.
This was actioned in May 2005 and countries could compare DNA profiles, fingerprints and number plates.
However not all Member States participated until June 2007.
The proposals are intended to protect London’s finance district and its skyscrapers from a terrorist attack.
MI5 and counter-terrorism police have proposed to install the manned checkpoints, rising street bollards and crash-proof barricades.
The last time manned checkpoints were used was in 1992 following the IRA’s bombing of Baltic Exchange.
When the IRA bombed the Baltic Exchange in April 1992, three people died and 91 people were injured.
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Top security officers want London to be as safe as possible
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Governments are tightening up security in the wake of the Berlin attacks
The last time manned checkpoints were used was in 1992 following the IRA’s bombing of Baltic Exchange
In 1993, the IRA also bombed Bishopsgate detonating an explosive in London’s financial district, killing one and injuring 44.
A Corporation of London report said they "had identified that the area was highly sensitive to... a hostile vehicle-borne security threat".
Security across Europe is striving to beat terror in the wake of the Berlin Christmas market terror attack on Monday when Anis Amri ploughed into shoppers, killing 12 and injuring 49 people.
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The city of London is home to many of the city's offices and skyscrapers
The new proposed ring would border Liverpool Street, the Bank of England and Fenchurch Street, which is home to some of the council’s most renowned skyscrapers.
Will Geddes, founder of International Corporate Protection, said: "Although we've seen of late 'lo-fi type' attacks, like the Berlin Christmas market where a lorry that was hijacked and driven into a crowded area, we cannot discount the type of attack that will include a large truck packed with explosives.”
The new proposal could be fully implemented by 2022.
Terrorism suspect Anis Amri crossed at least two borders this week despite an international manhunt sparking fears that Europe’s open borders are not secure enough.
In a message directed to bitter Remaoners she also appealed for national unity and “come together” after the bitterly fought EU referendum in 2016.
She said that it said it is important to "unite our country" as Britain seeks a "bold" new role on the world stage outside the European Union.
Her words may be seen as an attempt to address the splits between supporters and opponents of EU membership exposed by the June 23 vote, won by Leave.
Her message came as Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who led Vote Leave, has issued an upbeat Christmas message about Britain’s place in the world now it is escaping the EU.
At a time when families are coming together for the festive break, Mrs May said: "Coming together is also important for us as a country.
"As we leave the European Union we must seize an historic opportunity to forge a bold new role for ourselves in the world and to unite our country as we move forward into the future.
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The PM wished good health and happiness to everyone
Coming together is also important for us as a country
Theresa May
"And, with our international partners, we must work together to promote trade, increase prosperity and face the challenges to peace and security around the world."
Mrs May stressed that 2016 has seen much for Britain celebrate, including the Queen's 90th birthday and successes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In a separate video message to the armed forces, she promised to do more to help servicemen and women and their families in 2017, to show them that "this Government is on your side" at a time when many are being prosecuted for what is being described as trumped war crimes allegations.
In her message to the nation, Mrs May said that, as the daughter of a vicar, she was aware of the demands placed on those who have to work over Christmas.
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Theresa May bowing to Her Majesty on her 90th birthday this year
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Mrs May will call on the British people to reunite after a year of divisions over the referendum
Noting the persecution faced by Christians in other parts of the world at Christmas, she voiced her determination "to stand up for the freedom of people of all religions to practise their beliefs in peace and safety".
She concluded: "Wherever you are this Christmas, I wish you joy and peace in this season of celebration, along with health and happiness in the year ahead."
In a video message circulated on Twitter, Mr Johnson said that despite war in Syria and terror attacks in Europe, mankind as a whole was making progress in terms of health, education and longevity.
And he said that "global Britain" was leading the effort to continue the improvements.
Standing in front of a Christmas tree at the Foreign Office in London, Mr Johnson said: "We come now to the end of 2016 and I know that lots of people will be looking back at some of the gloomier bits about last year.
"We have still got a terrible civil war going on in Syria, we are seeing terrorist outrages taking place on our European continent.
"But I want you to know that British diplomats, British armed forces, British security services, British intelligence services are working the whole time to keep this country safe and to tackle these problems at source."
Richard Walton warned Europe must close its borders
The terrifying warning comes after it was revealed the terrorist behind the Berlin Christmas market attack travelled through three counties undetected before being killed in Italy.
Anis Amri travelled from Berlin to the French Alps, and then onto Milan in Italy - covering 1,000 miles without being stopped at any point despite being the most wanted man in Europe at the time.
It was only after he was spotted loitering outside a closed station at 3am that he was approached by a rookie police officer and opened fire, before being shot dead.
Now Richard Walton, the former had of counter-terrorism at the Metropolitan Police, has warned the European Union must get tough on border control or risk encouraging even more atrocities.
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Dozens were injured and 12 killed after the horror attack
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Anis Amri travelled 1,000 miles undetected after ploughing the truck into the market
He said: “Schengen poses a huge risk of terrorism, porous borders across mainland Europe are continuing to be exploited by Isil.
"They have a clear strategy and have set out to carry out attacks across mainland Europe.
“Europe's weakness is our weakness, it is a concern for us because if you're neighbours are insecure by definition.
"We need European countries to get their act together. Sooner or later they are going to get across the Channel."
Amri, now 24, claimed asylum in Italy in 2011 after fleeing Tunisia following a violent robbery and pretending to be a child migrant, despite being 19 at the time.
He was jailed for four years, although only served two, after a riot at his detention sent - but Italy was unable to deport him as Tunisia refused to take him back so he fled for Germany.
Berlin killer Anis Amri was shot dead by police in Milan
The deadly attack earlier this week killed 12 people while dozens more injured, many still receiving treatment in hospital.
Now right-wing leaders have lead calls to scrap the Schengen Area, which enables passport free travel across the EU, over claims it is being “exploited” by Islamic State extremists.
Marie Le Pen, the leader of the French far-right National Front and presidential hopeful, said: "This escapade in at least two or three countries is symptomatic of the total security catastrophe that is the Schengen agreement."
Nigel Farage, Ukip’s former leader wrote on Twitter: “If the man shot in Milan is the Berlin killer, then the Schengen Area is proven to be a risk to public safety. It must go.”
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Polcie and security forces across Europe have heightened the terror warnings
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Anis Amri fled from the scene after the horrific act
And Iain Duncan Smith, a Tory MP and former Work and Pensions secretary, said that the case highlighted the need for Britain to leave the European Union "as soon as possible".
He said: "The sooner we get out the stronger our ability to look after ourselves and our borders will be.
"Where the European Union has been heading is towards this creation of a super state, within which there would be no borders, no controls, no checks. We are now beginning to see what a mistake that has been."
Last week it emerged that 200 undercover SAS soldiers had been placed on British streets to help police forces in case of terror attacks.
In Birmingham earlier this month, new road-block barriers were installed at the city's popular Christmas market.
Greater Manchester Police have also bolstered their numbers at local markets, which have almost 350 stalls spread across 10 sites.
Earlier this month, Northumbria police were spotted carrying assault rifles around Christmas markets to reassure public safety.
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Amri was only discovered after being spotted outside a train station at 3am
However, locals condemned the security measure as "terrifying," before adding that "we do not want armed police on our streets".
Mr Walton said "more bollards and troops on the streets is not the answer to this threat".
He added: "You have to build your intelligence capability more. You have to encourage people to come forward and you have to encourage the Muslim community to come forward and trust the agencies and report information and concerns they have got."
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