Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in negotiations with the European Union, having regard to law enforcement and internal security, they have referred in the single governance framework to common values including the rule of law and human rights, and to the UK’s continued adherence to the European Convention on Human Rights; and if not, (1) why not, and (2) what assessment they have made of the impact on the outcome of negotiations regarding security matters.

There have been constructive negotiations on law enforcement and criminal justice cooperation. In round four of negotiations, for example, there were detailed technical exchanges on extradition, the UK’s relationship with Europol and the exchange of Passenger Name Record (PNR) information.

As set out in the UK Approach, an agreement in this area should include: arrangements that support data exchange for law enforcement purposes; operational cooperation between law enforcement authorities; and judicial cooperation in criminal matters. This cooperation should be underpinned by the importance that both parties attach to safeguarding human rights, the rule of law and high data protection standards.