The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) says that losing access to key EU databases after Brexit means "we will all be less safe".
Chief Brexit negotiator for the EU, Michel Barnier, announced yesterday that leaving the union would mean the UK losing access to key European databases, as well as the European Arrest Warrant and Europol.
PCC David Jamieson had raised concerns earlier on this week of the dangers of losing access to these key facilities, saying it would impact on the force's ability to conduct investigations.
And, speaking shortly after Mr Barnier's announcement, he voiced his concerns at the latest developments.
"European security databases are integral to tackling the most serious crimes," he said.
"UK and EU co-operation and information sharing on dangerous offenders helps protect us.
"These databases are used against EU nationals and dangerous UK criminals alike. Policing will be less efficient and the quality of co-operation will be lower.
"If we do not have access to these systems we will all be less safe."
Addressing the Strategic Policing and Crime Board yesterday (June 19) morning, Mr Jamieson warned of the complications that would come with a full exit from European databases, Europol and the European Arrest Warrant.
He also added that he was concerned at the lack of clarity from the government on these issues.
And his fears were confirmed shortly after the meeting, with Mr Barnier announcing that the UK could not choose to leave the EU but remain a part of some of its key institutions.
"This cooperation [within these institutions] is both unique and unprecedented,” he said.
"It is made possible by the trust between member states. This trust is founded on an ‘ecosystem’ based on common rules and safeguards, shared decisions, joint supervision and implementation and a common court of justice.
"If you leave this ‘ecosystem’, you lose the benefits of this cooperation. You are a third country because you have decided to be so. And you need to build a new relationship.
"The UK has decided to leave the EU, its institutions, structures and safeguards. It will be a third country outside Schengen and outside the EU’s legal order. This is a fact. Facts have consequences.”
