Brexit: European Union Police Databases and Extradition Arrangements

Lord Taylor of Holbeach Excerpts

Wednesday 20th June 2018 Lords Chamber

[Lord Morris of Aberavon (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Con)]

My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Anderson, was first to rise in his place.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Blunkett (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Lord Taylor of Holbeach]

I am sure that the House would like to hear from the noble Lord, Lord Blunkett.

[Lord Blunkett]

My Lords, I was Home Secretary when we entered the European arrest warrant as part of the negotiation at the time. I reinforce the points made by the noble Lord, Lord King, and my noble friend Lord Anderson. But I make a little offer. It is entirely right that we have to persuade Michel Barnier and others that it is in everyone’s mutual interest to retain our facility and access to the EAW, but in 2014 many of us had a real task in persuading the coalition Government, I think probably because of the Liberal Democrats, that remaining in or re-entering—because we had the opt-out—the EAW was essential. I offer my heartfelt skill in negotiating with Michel Barnier, as we had to do with the coalition Government.