EU blocks UK access to key crime, migration databases in post-Brexit talks

The EU has rejected Britain’s request for access to crucial crime and illegal migration databases as part of efforts to reset relations after Brexit.

This decision marks a setback for the UK’s attempts to strengthen security ties with Europe, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Brussels informed UK negotiators that it could not share sensitive information, including the fingerprints of illegal migrants, with British authorities.

Sir Keir Starmer had emphasised the importance of enhanced data sharing with the EU, stating: “[The] more we can share, the better.” 

However, during recent negotiations, EU representatives made it clear that the UK would not have access to the Schengen Information System (SIS), which provides real-time alerts about criminal suspects. The UK will be unable to use the Eurodac fingerprinting system, which records details of illegal migrants attempting to enter the EU. The UK government had hoped that gaining access to these databases could help address the growing backlog of asylum claims. 

The ability to cross-reference Eurodac data would have allowed Home Office caseworkers to identify individuals who had been previously rejected for asylum and fast-track their cases for removal. Currently, over 38,000 migrants are housed in hotels at a cost of 5.5 million pounds per day to taxpayers. Sources close to the negotiations expressed frustration at the EU's stance.

One source described the EU's refusal as making cooperation on illegal migration more difficult, as it “sets a precedent” against third-party access to Schengen databases. As the May 19 summit approaches, the deadlock on data sharing is expected to complicate talks. While the UK hopes to explore a youth mobility scheme with the EU, a government source indicated that progress is unlikely without at least some concession from the EU on data sharing.

By Naila Huseynova