SECURITY THREAT

Brussels has warned Britain it will have to pay to keep access to EU security databases after Brexit

Michel Barnier laid down the demand, which reportedly infuriated UK negotiators, at a meeting with Brexit secretary Dominic Raab this week

By Nick Gutteridge In Brussels

24th August 2018, 2:01 am

Updated: 24th August 2018, 2:02 am

BRUSSELS has told Britain it will have to pay if it wants to keep access to EU security databases after Brexit.

Michel Barnier laid down the demand, which has reportedly infuriated UK negotiators, at a meeting with Brexit secretary Dominic Raab this week.

AFP or licensors

Michel Barnier laid down the demand that Britain will have to pay if it wants to keep access to EU security databases after Brexit

Britain is a huge contributor to European security and defence and has made an “unconditional” offer to continue cooperation beyond next March.

But eurocrats are insisting the UK’s access to the bloc’s crimefighting agencies and databases, as well as the Galileo satellite, must be slashed.

British ministers have repeatedly warned the EU Commission’s hardline stance on the issue will put European citizens at risk after Brexit.

New foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt has embarked on a tour of EU capitals in an attempt to persuade member states to go over Mr Barnier’s head.

Getty - Contributor

Brexit secretary Dominic Raab was told Europe’s stance on security by Michel Barnier

PA:Press Association

Eurocrats are insisting the UK’s access to security databases, as well as the Galileo satellite, must be slashed

However the message appears to have fallen on deaf ears, with the bloc’s chief negotiator holding firm, according to Politico.

In its white paper the UK Government admitted it “may be appropriate for the UK to make a financial contribution” to EU security projects after Brexit.

MOST READ IN POLITICS