UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is scheduled to meet Magnus Brunner, the EU’s home affairs commissioner, on Monday for discussions centered on migration, border management, law enforcement cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts. The meeting represents the second encounter between the two officials within a two-month period and follows recent statements from Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding potential recalibration of the UK’s relationship with the European Union.
Among the primary topics for discussion will be the possibility of the UK rejoining several police and security databases that became inaccessible following the country’s departure from the EU. These databases include Eurodac, a new platform designed to collect fingerprints and facial images of asylum seekers aged six and older along with security flags for individuals linked to terrorism or serious crime. The UK also seeks renewed access to the Schengen Information System, which contains information on missing persons, stolen property, vehicles and registration plates, and individuals fleeing across EU internal borders, with approximately 20 million searches conducted daily on the system.
Brunner emphasized that the UK’s participation remains essential to ongoing efforts to address irregular migration. Recent Frontex data released on Monday showed a 43% reduction in small boat crossings of the English Channel. The EU recently implemented a comprehensive suite of new legislation intended to accelerate asylum processing and deportations as part of its broader Pact on Migration and Asylum framework.
Burnham previously indicated to members of parliament that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen demonstrated openness during their meeting in New York to discussions regarding restoration of data sharing on immigration matters across the UK and Europe. Burnham stated he would work toward achieving a practical arrangement on this issue at an anticipated EU-UK summit scheduled for November. During his visit, Brunner will also meet with MI5 Director General Ken McCallum and visit the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, as well as engage with senior officials from the UK’s child sexual abuse centre to discuss collaborative efforts against such crimes.
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