Northern Ireland

UK-EU deal allays MPs' fears over cross-border security co-operation

MPs were concerned that if the UK crashed out of the EU there would be a lack of cross-border security co-operation. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire
MPs were concerned that if the UK crashed out of the EU there would be a lack of cross-border security co-operation. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire MPs were concerned that if the UK crashed out of the EU there would be a lack of cross-border security co-operation. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire

THE DEAL signed by the EU and British government in December has allayed fears about cross-border security cooperation and post-Brexit policing, according to a Westminster committee.

A report published today by the NI Affairs Committee says the signing of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) "mitigated concerns about extradition processes and intelligence blind spots".

The MPs were concerned that if the UK crashed out of the EU, a lack of security co-operation would have meant British and EU law enforcement agencies reverting to "outdated and sluggish conventions and processes".

However, they believe the TCA has laid the foundation for Britain and the Republic's law enforcement bodies to build on already well-developed systems of co-operation.

Committee chairman Simon Hoare said scrutiny of the TCA answered the MPs' core concerns on extradition and data sharing, while showing there was no demonstrable negative impact on policing between Britain and Ireland.

"There had been fears that extradition processes could have created new opportunities for criminals, with intelligence sharing gaps appearing due to inadequate processes," he said.

"We’re now confident that policing and justice will continue to be delivered quickly and effectively. Importantly, extradition decisions will remain in the hands of judicial authorities."

The committee chair said the British government and the EU were treating the matter with the seriousness that it deserved.

"To maintain this level of mutually beneficial security co-operation, the UK government must look to build on the strength of its security partnership with Ireland, as well as the EU as a whole," Mr Hoare said.