Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 20
20
The Department acknowledged that these arrangements would be part of the ongoing negotiations with the...
Conclusion
The Department acknowledged that these arrangements would be part of the ongoing negotiations with the EU.55 We asked whether Immigration Enforcement proposed to keep teams in EU airports after the transition period ended. The Department appeared unconcerned about any possible barriers to this, and said that it did not see any reason why the arrangements would change.56 It also told us it was not aware of any legal barriers to this work and that this issue had not been raised, but it suggested that no discussions had taken place within the Department to prepare for any change in these arrangements. It acknowledged that it would require individual agreements with member states to maintain the presence of UK Immigration Enforcement teams in EU states following the end of the transition period. It highlighted France and Belgium as particular priorities, but it was not aware of any discussions it had had with EU member states. The Department told us its discussions to date had focused on its ambition to replace the Dublin II Regulation and EURODAC system.57 Planning for changes to the immigration enforcement system
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
5.1 The government disagrees with the Committee’s recommendation. 5.2 The department is working hard to prepare for a range of potential outcomes at the end of the transition period. This remains a top priority, with the Department continuing to build on the preparations which were undertaken in 2019 which ensured a high state of readiness before the UK exited the EU on 31 January 2020. 5.3 The UK shares the same objectives as many EU Member States in taking serious and effective measures to tackle and deter illegal migration, and the Department’s co-operation with them will continue after the transition period. The UK has made a sincere and genuine offer to the EU on a future reciprocal arrangement for the family reunion of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and for future returns arrangements to EU Member States. An agreement remains the department’s goal.