More information needed on post-Brexit policing, say MSPs

MSPs have called for greater clarity from the Scottish and UK Governments over how criminal justice and policing matters will be handled post-Brexit.

In a report published by Holyrood’s Justice Committee on Thursday, it states further information on policing arrangements in the event of a no-deal scenario must be published by the UK Government “without delay”.

It also urges the Scottish Government to share copies of its agendas, minutes and key planning papers around Brexit preparedness with the committee.

The report also asks that further information on discussions between Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf and UK Government ministers is provided.

MSPs further called on Scottish Secretary David Mundell to discuss the current state of relations between the Home Office and the Scottish Government.

It notes these “are not operating as they should do and are not as effective as those between the Scottish Government and the UK Ministry of Justice”.

The committee said it intends to pay particular attention to the discussions between the two Governments on the future legislative and non-legislative common frameworks that will need to be negotiated.

The report states: “These frameworks will define how the UK and Scotland will co-operate on civil and criminal justice matters and policing after Brexit.

“We ask both Governments now for an update on the progress of their discussions so far and a detailed statement on what priorities both Governments see in relation to each of the common frameworks that will need to be put in place in the justice portfolio.”

Committee convener Margaret Mitchell said: “The Justice Committee has considered and passed a lot of secondary legislation as efforts are made to prepare Scotland and the rest of the UK for leaving the EU.

“However, given the uncertainty about potentially adverse consequences of a no-deal scenario, and to allow policing and legal sectors to prepare fully, we need more information to be put into the public domain and shared with elected representatives.”

The committee also cautioned against civil and criminal justice matters being overlooked as the wider Brexit debate focuses on issues such as economic links, immigration and the Northern Irish/Irish border.