Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 14
14
UK law enforcement agencies will continue to have access to Europol through the third-country arrangement...
Conclusion
UK law enforcement agencies will continue to have access to Europol through the third-country arrangement negotiated in the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. Access to Europol is important for law enforcement agencies when co-ordinating Europe-wide investigations, particularly when more than two countries are involved in an operation. However, the loss of full membership of Europol reduces, but does not eliminate, the ability of the UK to shape the future development of the organisation through its management board. There is clear benefit in the Government advancing proactively the case for the UK’s involvement in Europol through the Specialised Committee on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Co-operation. (Paragraph 103) Data adequacy and the EHCR
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.