Brexit could spark war in Europe, David Cameron warns

David Cameron is set to warn Europe could be plunged into World War Three if Britain votes to leave the EU.

The Prime Minister will suggest the referendum will form a pivotal moment in Europe’s history as both sides step up their campaigning ahead of the June 23 vote.

Mr Cameron will stress the long, historic links with continental Europe and highlight the sacrifice of British military personnel to ensure the peace of the continent as he makes a "patriotic case" for a Remain vote.

But he will also warn that the peace which Europe has enjoyed in recent years cannot be guaranteed "beyond any shadow of doubt".

He will rank 2016 alongside other turning points in European history including the year of the Spanish Armada in 1588, Blenheim in 1704, Waterloo in 1815, the First World War in 1914, the Battle of Britain in 1940 and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Within hours of Mr Cameron's address, Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson will deliver his own speech before heading out on a campaign battle bus tour across the country later this week.

Setting out the long ties binding the UK to its neighbours Mr Cameron will say: "For good or ill, we have written Europe's history just as Europe has helped to write ours."

Both sides of the referendum debate have sought to use Winston Churchill to make their case.

The Britain Stronger In Europe campaign released a video message from Second World War veterans to underline the Prime Minister's message.

Mr Cameron is expected to say: "Whenever we turn our back on Europe, sooner or later we come to regret it.

"We have always had to go back in, and always at much higher cost.