European Union Opt-in Decisions

Monday 26th October 2015 Written Statements

[The Minister for Immigration (James Brokenshire)]

The UK has not opted in to the proposal to amend regulation (EC) No 1683/1995 on the uniform format for visas. The Government are committed to ensuring that people coming to the UK do so legally and are taking steps to improve document security. The UK has concerns about the current proposed design and is considering the implications that a new UFV may have on future visa strategy.

The UK has also not opted-in to the proposed Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations with the associated states (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) and Denmark concerning access to Eurodac for law enforcement purposes. This proposal concerns the opening of negotiations. If the negotiations are successful there will be a further Council decision, also subject to the United Kingdom’s Justice and Home Affairs opt-in. At this point we will be able to assess properly any potential benefits to the UK and others, and on that basis consider whether or not to opt-in.

[HCWS269]