The EU must have a close security partnership with the UK after Brexit to fight terrorism, the European Parliament's Special Committee on Terrorism has concluded.
The Special Committee's final report, which was agreed late last night, says it is "crucial to ensure a continuation of the mutual security cooperation and exchange of information between the EU and the UK post-Brexit" in any future agreement. The committee has spent the last year examining ways in which it might improve the EU's response to the recent wave of attacks across Europe and its recommendations will now be voted on by the European Parliament in December.
Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, Vice-Chairman of the committee and the only British member, said: "If the EU is serious about strengthening its measures to combat terrorism, then it must match the UK's ambition for our future security relationship. Otherwise, instead of stepping up its efforts it will have taken a step backwards.
"I am pleased that MEPs have recognised Britain's expertise and capabilities in counter-terrorism and called for a close security partnership after Brexit. It is in our mutual interest that we come up with a strategy to cover the whole of Europe, not just the EU."
Mr Van Orden, who is also Conservative Security and Defence Spokesman, added:"This report is advisory, but it makes some useful proposals for strengthening efforts in the fight against terrorism. It's vital that countries work together, sharing best practice and information so that we can tackle radicalisation at home and prevent terrorist attacks by foreign nationals."