Security minister John Hayes is backing a Brexit vote in the referendum on June 23

Britain would be safer from terrorists outside the EU, David Cameron's own security minister has insisted.

John Hayes said the Brussels club's ability to fight extremism was compromised by the 'grand scheming' of bureaucrats.

Trying to coordinate security links through the bloc was a 'distraction' and a 'waste' of effort, he argued.

The claim, in an article for the Telegraph, directly contradicts the view expressed by the Prime Minister and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon on the issue.

They have insisted that cooperation within the EU is crucial to protect the safety of citizens on the streets of the UK.

Home Secretary Theresa May also dismissed Mr Hayes' remarks today, saying that 'walking away from the table' would damage our interests.

Speaking at a summit in Brussels, Mrs May said: 'I am very clear that the decisions that are taken here protect the UK's security and safety...

'Taking control is not about walking away from the table.'

In his article, the Brexi-supporting security minister dismissed pro-EU interventions from former Prime Minister Sir John Major.

'Understandably, yesterday's politicians' view of Europe is dimmed by the dark shadow of the Second World War,' he wrote.

'But there are clear generational differences between Euro-enthusiasts such as Sir JohnMajor and Lord Heseltine, and what the people want now.

'The economic imperatives we face largely stem from the rise of powers on other continents. Our greatest security challenge is a pan-national terrorist threat, fuelled by an ideology that's anything but European.

'Western countries, sharing values, have a compelling mutual interest in cooperation.'

Mr Hayes said Britain already tackled terrorism at a 'global' level.

'The effectiveness of our security cooperation is forged in the urgent operational day-to- day battle against terrorism - in defence of our shared interests,' he said.

'Trying to build new structures is a distraction and a waste. It is driven by those who see institutions appropriating power, rather than people doing the job in hand.

'Their grand scheming harks back to a time before the internet and modern communication.'

Mr Hayes pointed out that the Government had 'resisted EU attempts to take security into the ambit of Brussels'.

'It makes most sense for nation states to collaborate with services not run by the EU, but flexibly designed to work together,' he added.

Despite being at odds with Mr Cameron over the EU, Mr Hayes rejected suggestions that the PM would have to quit if there is a Leave vote on June 23.

'This referendum is not about his leadership, nor about settling old scores or reducing big arguments to petty points. The people deserve a grown-up debate not childish name-calling,' he wrote.

'The debate is about who we are and where we belong; of where power should be vested and how the powerful are held to account.

'So, let us dismiss the idea that only one side in this campaign loves their country.'

Mr Hayes dismissed suggestions that Prime Minister David Cameron, seen on a visit to the Hitachi factory yesterday, will have to quit if there is a Leave vote in the referendum