Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 18
We welcome the fact that the UK and EU have agreed a new security partnership...
Conclusion
We welcome the fact that the UK and EU have agreed a new security partnership as part of the agreement of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. At the time of the inquiry hearings, Brexit had had no discernible operational impact on cross-border policing and the ability to co-operate with partners in the EU has been maintained. Before the announcement of the agreement, we had heard concerns that a failure to secure a deal on security could have led to a reliance on cumbersome extradition and intelligence sharing processes. The agreement mitigates these concerns and, importantly, provides a foundation for the continuation of UK and Irish law enforcement agencies’ well developed means of co-operating to maintain the security of the Common Travel Area.
Paragraph Reference:
18
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We have been cooperating with EU Member States via the new arrangements since 1 January, and the indications so far are that, in general, the new arrangements are working well in practice. We are working closely with domestic operational partners and counterparts in the EU, including Ireland, to monitor the operation of the new arrangements and will take steps to address any issues should they arise. The Government is committed to working together with European partners to counter the threats we all face, within Europe and beyond and will continue to build on the strong existing relationships with our colleagues in Ireland in tackling crime and maintaining security and an effective criminal justice system.