UK Government proposes post-Brexit security agreement with EU

The UK government announced on Monday that it was looking to finalise a comprehensive new security, law enforcement and criminal justice partnership with the EU after Britain leaves the bloc in March 2019.

The future partnership paper outlined the UK's vision for a "deep and special" partnership built upon the internal security cooperation that had previously existed with the EU and would principally be aimed at fighting threats posed by terrorism and organised crime.

Downing Street admitted that Brexit would change the nature of that cooperation, but would do very little to change the threats both would face, nor would it "reduce the value" of Number 10 as a security partner to Brussels.

Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis said, "With the shared threats facing us evolving faster than ever before, it's vital that the UK and EU maintain and strengthen the close security collaboration we currently have."

The paper listed three main objectives of the proposed agreement:

• Protecting the safety and security of British citizens and upholding justice in the UK and across the EU;
• Maintaining the closest and most cooperative partnerships between Britain and the 27 EU member states; and
• Continuing to cooperate on the basis of shared democratic values and respect for the rule of law.

"The recent terror attacks in London, Manchester and across other parts Europe have been stark reminders of the shared and evolving threat the UK and our EU partners face," said Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

"That is why it is crucial — for the security of the UK and the continent — that we continue and enhance our cooperation after we leave the EU," Rudd said.

The paper said the new security treatment between the UK and the EU would provide a legal basis for continued working after Brexit, and was important to make sure there were no operational gaps created by the transition from one set to the other.