EU data access for Burnham hinges on fee and court oversight
Brussels is reportedly making renewed UK access to EU migrant and criminal databases conditional on paying a fee and accepting oversight by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Andy Burnham hopes to secure an arrangement at a UK-EU summit in November, but the proposed conditions could reignite arguments over sovereignty and Brexit.
The databases include the Schengen Information System, which sends alerts about criminal suspects, and Eurodac, which records fingerprints of people caught entering the EU without permission. The EU rejected a similar request from Sir Keir Starmer last year. Conservative deputy leader Alex Burghart said the Government should explain the cost and objected to ECJ oversight, while Burnham said restoring data sharing could help address migration.
- EU database access may require a UK fee and ECJ oversight.
- Burnham hopes to discuss a data-sharing arrangement at a November summit.
- The proposal could revive disputes over sovereignty and Brexit.
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The Schengen Information System lets participating countries share alerts about people suspected of crimes, while Eurodac stores fingerprints of people detected entering the EU without permission. Access to these records can help authorities check information across borders.
The UK lost access to these EU systems after Brexit. Any new arrangement would involve terms agreed between the UK and EU, including how access is funded and how disputes or compliance are overseen.
Andy Burnham is seeking renewed access, which he says could help address migration. The conditions under discussion touch on wider questions about the UK’s relationship with EU institutions and the role of the European Court of Justice.
Both sides, in good faith
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The case for
Supporters argue that access to EU police and migration databases could help UK authorities identify suspects and manage cross-border migration, making cooperation worthwhile. Paying a fee and accepting ECJ oversight could be reasonable conditions for access to shared systems, giving the EU assurance that its rules and safeguards are respected.
The case against
Critics argue that the public should know the cost before the Government commits to the arrangement, and that ECJ oversight could constrain UK decision-making after Brexit. They may also question whether the practical benefits justify those terms, particularly if access involves ongoing financial or legal obligations.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Brussels tells Burnham UK must cede powers to EU judges and pay if it wants help with channel migrant crisis”.