Britain faces security ‘cliff-edge’ because of Brexit, think tank claims
The UK in a Changing Europe group said unless the British Government 'acts quickly' the Government could lose direct access to Europol, and extradition treaties with EU countries
BRITAIN faces a security “cliff-edge” that could pose serious difficulties in counter-terror and crime work because of Brexit, a think tank claimed yesterday.
The UK in a Changing Europe group said unless the British Government “acts quickly” the Government could lose direct access to Europol, and extradition treaties with EU countries.
There is also a risk of losing vital information about criminal suspects and witnesses.
Remain campaigner and Labour MP Chuka Umunna said the report showed Brexit could make British participation in vital EU security agencies impossible.
He said: “It could mean far less sharing of information with our European allies on terrorist suspects who mean us harm, an end to police and judicial cooperation that fights cross-border organised crime as well as much greater barriers to extraditing British criminals who have fled abroad.”
Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Ed Davey warned the government is not doing enough to maintain high levels of law enforcement cooperation with the EU.
He added: “Cooperation with our European partners in the fight against crime and terrorism is absolutely crucial to keep the public safe.
“It’s clear that this Government doesn’t have a clue about Brexit and the risks it poses.”