GCHQ chief warns Britain ‘critical’ in foiling European terror plots amid post-Brexit security row
2 min read
The head of GCHQ has ramped up calls for UK-EU security ties to be defended after Brexit as he revealed British intelligence thwarted four terror plots on the continent last year.
Jeremy Fleming said his organisation’s ability to work with European partners “saves lives” as a row over Britain’s access to major security information rumbled on.
It comes after Michel Barnier warned yesterday that Britain risked being shut out of key European Union security and policing databases.
The EU's chief negotiator said while both sides would continue to "cooperate strongly", Britain would not be able to take part in the European Arrest Warrant and said UK officials would play no part in running joint agencies including Europol.
But in a pointed intervention, Mr Fleming said it was important that there are mechanisms that allow both sides “to share insight and expertise”.
“We’re leaving the EU but not Europe. And after Brexit the UK will continue to work with the EU and the EU member states,” he said after a meeting with officials at Nato in Brussels.
“We have excellent relationships with intelligence and security agencies right across the continent.
“For example, in the last year we’ve played a critical role in the disruption of terrorist operations in at least four European countries.
“Those relationships, and our ability to work together, save lives. That will continue after Brexit, for the benefit of the UK and for Europe.”
He also cited the need to join together in tackling online activity from the Islamic State group and criminal gangs.
And he hit out at the Russian government for its "blatant disregard for the consequences of its actions" following the Salisbury attack.
Mr Fleming said: "These threats are more complex and more global and none of us can defend against them alone. They require a pooling of resource, expertise and, critically, data so that we can investigate and disrupt our adversaries."
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