The time is now approaching to consider what contingencies may be needed, should no deal be reached on law enforcement and justice measures after we leave the European Union.
The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee heard that if there is no confidence in the transitional arrangements by the new year, the Met will need to start considering what contingencies can be put in place.
In its third Brexit Directive letter to the Mayor, the London Assembly urges him to press for greater clarity for police forces on the Government’s timescales and ambitions for law enforcement and justice. It also asks that he maintain close working links with the National Crime Agency and National Police Chiefs’ Council—which are leading on discussions with the Home Office on behalf of police forces—and support them in their discussions with the Government.
Steve O’Connell AM, Chairman of the Police and Crime Committee said: “Uncertainty on security issues post-Brexit cannot be tolerated and the extra demand that planning for Brexit would place on the Met comes at a time of already shrinking capacity. Progress and certainty on this is therefore imperative before the Met dedicates a level of resource that might ultimately not be needed.
Provisions like Europol, the European Arrest Warrant, the Schengen Information System II, EU passenger name records, Prum arrangements and the European Criminal Records Information System all provide a helpful legal framework for the Met and other forces. This framework enhances the capability of the police to respond to threat, risk and harm.
This is a critical issue and we anticipate further discussions in the Police and Crime Committee early in the New Year.”
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