British PM David Cameron has rejected claims he was "crying wolf" over the dangers of war in Europe after Leave campaigners accused him of desperate tactics.
Cameron warned that quitting the European Union would put peace and stability at risk and hamper the fight against terror.
In a speech setting out the "patriotic" case for a Remain vote, he said the bloc had reconciled warring nations. He also warned that peace could be jeopardised by Brexit.
He insisted there is "strength in numbers" as he argued that staying in the 28-member bloc was crucial in the fight against Islamic State (IS) and dealing with a "newly belligerent" Russia.
Vote Leave said "claims that leaving the EU and taking back control would somehow lead to war smack of desperation" and insisted the safe option was to quit.
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Asked if there was a danger voters would think he was "crying wolf", Cameron said: "I would just say look at the speech, look at what I've said, consider the arguments. No-one can doubt that Europe has had a violent and turbulent history.
"These are facts. I am not arguing that the EU alone has kept the peace in Europe these last 70 years because, of course, NATO played a key role."
Britain must be strong in Europe if it wants to be strong in the world, Cameron insisted during the speech at the British Museum.
"The serried rows of white headstones in lovingly-tended Commonwealth war cemeteries stand as silent testament to the price this country has paid to help restore peace and order in Europe," he said.
"Can we be so sure that peace and stability on our continent are assured beyond any shadow of doubt?
"Is that a risk worth taking?
"I would never be so rash as to make that assumption."
