A former top spy and defense chief in Britain have reportedly warned Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal with the European Union threatens British national security by placing control "in foreign hands."
In a letter written by former MI6 head Sir Richard Dearlove and ex-defense chief Lord Guthrie, and obtained by Sky News, the pair urge British legislators to vote against the deal.
"The first duty of the state, above trade, is the security of its citizens," the letter read. "The Withdrawal Agreement abrogates this fundamental contract and would place control of aspects of our national security in foreign hands."
The pair also argued "buried in this agreement is the offer of a 'new, deep and special relationship' with the EU in defense, security and intelligence which cuts across the three fundamentals of our national security policy: membership of NATO, our close bilateral defense and intelligence relationship with the USA and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance" between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K., and the United States, Sky News reported.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the letter also contends the deal is "the exact opposition of the people's instruction to take back control" when British voters opted to leave the bloc in 2016.
Britain's government headquarters at 10 Downing Street told Sky News the claim by the former chiefs "is completely wrong." The deal is expected to be defeated in Parliament next week when it is voted on, Fox News reported.
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