Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to oppose any further moves towards the integration of justice and home affairs within the European Union; and in particular, whether they intend to opt in to the European Arrest Warrant.

This Government will approach forthcoming EU legislation in the area of justice and home affairs on a case-by-case basis, with a view to maximising our country’s security, protecting Britain’s civil liberties and preserving the integrity of our criminal justice system.

On the specific issue of the European Arrest Warrant, the Government set out its position during debates in the House of Commons on 10 July 2014, Official Report, column 485 as well as in the House of Lords on 8 May 2014, Official Report, column 1585. The House of Lords had the opportunity to discuss the measure further during the debate in that House on 17 July 2014.

The Government intends to seek to rejoin this measure in the national interest.