GETTY Britain may have to sign up to Europol to help guard against terror

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Europol, the EU’s law enforcement agency, allows member states to share information on international criminals, terror suspects and grants access to conduct operations in other countries. But the Prime Minister is yet to agree new terms to remain in Europol, sparking fears among police chiefs that Britain’s safety is being thrown into jeopardy.

Britain will lose its right to conduct anti-terror, drug and corruption raids across Europe if Mrs May does not put pen to paper soon. There is a strong chance Britain would be granted access to the continent’s crime information body, as the US already had a third party agreement in place.

But a quirk of the system means that the UK needs to inform the European Commission about its stance on the new directive before any substantial negotiations about the future can take place. Top police officers are worried that political brinkmanship could hamper public safety, with one telling the Times: “It has very serious implications and there is a feeling it is being brushed over. We are in a race against time.” Another senior police source said it was “highly likely” Britain would sign up to Europol, unless aides can “pull a legal rabbit out of their hat”.

GETTY Europol has a vast amount of data on organised crime and terrorism within the EU's borders

GETTY Europol allows the US to share its information in the interests of global safety

According to an official briefing note, 3,000 British investigation a year hinge on information gleaned from Europol and around 40 per cent of the law enforcement group’s work involved the UK. Dominic Raab, the former justice campaigner and Brexit supporter, said: “The latest Europol regulation grabs more power for Brussels, and away from national authorities. "The UK can continue operational co-operation with Europol, without giving up demo- cratic control over policing. The US posts more officers to Europol than most EU members, so it’s a no-brainer for Britain.”

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