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Crime Solicitors

UK to consider continuing co-operation with Europol to tackle terrorism and cybercrime (18 November 2016)

Date: 18/11/2016
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, UK to consider continuing co-operation with Europol to tackle terrorism and cybercrime

Policing Minister Brandon Lewis has notified Parliament of the government’s intention to opt-in to Regulation (eu) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Union agency for law enforcement co-operation (Europol), in line with its right to do so under protocol 21 to the EU Treaties.

The new regulation gives a legal footing to the new framework for Europol –and replicates much of the UK’s approach to the tackling of online terrorism propaganda and cybercrime.

In an explanatory memorandum laid before Parliament, the Policing Minister put forward the Home Office’s intention to opt into the revised Europol framework outlined in the regulation.

The regulation replaces the existing regulation which governs the operation of Europol on 1 May 2017.

This decision will now be subject to parliamentary scrutiny, after which the European Commission will be notified of the government’s intention.

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service, Brandon Lewis, said:

“The UK is leaving the EU, but the reality of cross-border crime remains.

“Europol provides a valuable service to the UK and opting in would enable us to maintain our current access to the agency until we leave the EU, helping keep the people of Britain safe. We now await the outcome of the scrutiny process.”

The revised Europol framework was first proposed on 27 March 2013 and was adopted on 11 May 2016. Revisions include giving a clear mandate to the EU Internet Referrals Unit, which replicates the UK’s approach to tackling online terrorist propaganda – and giving the existing European Cybercrime Centre a clear mandate as a “union of specialised expertise for combating certain types of crime”.

Now that the government has notified Parliament, the intention to opt-in will be scrutinised by the House of Commons and House of Lords EU scrutiny committee. The government will then notify the European Commission of its position.

The government is exploring options for co-operation with Europol once the UK has left the EU, but says it is too early to speculate on future arrangements.

Europol aims to strengthen and facilitate co-operation in preventing serious crimes and combating organised crime, in particular where the crimes affect two or more EU member states.

The UK has been a member of the agency since its creation in 1998 and chose to opt in in 2014, when the UK negotiated the right to choose which EU justice and home affairs matters to be part of.

Duncan Lewis Terrorism Solicitors

Duncan Lewis terrorism solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving cybercrime and terrorism, including charges involving preparing and carrying out acts of terrorism, encouraging others to prepare or carry out acts of terrorism, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, belonging to a proscribed organisation, fundraising for terrorism and cybercrime relating to terrorism.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales – with more than 20 offices across London and the southeast. A Duncan Lewis criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on extradition and cross-border terrorism investigations.

For expert legal advice on terrorism charges, call Duncan Lewis terrorism solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.


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