The European Union has denied Britain access to crucial migrant databases in the latest humiliating blow to Sir Keir Starmer’s so-called Brexit “reset”.
The bloc has informed British diplomats that Brussels cannot disclose critical data with British law and immigration bodies.
Previously, Starmer insisted that “the more we can share, the better” and had outlined that one of his key demands of bringing Britain closer to the EU was increased transparency on crime and migration data between the UK and Europe.
But in a blow to the PM, Whitehall insiders have admitted to The Times that officials would not have access to the Schengen Information System (SIS).
The bloc has informed British diplomats that Brussels cannot disclose critical data with British law and immigration bodies
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Access to Eurodac - the EU’s fingerprint system which stores information on illegal migrants captured trying to make the perilous journey - will also be blocked.
Home Office officials have declared that access to such information would have acted as a “gamechanger” amid growing asylum seekers’ claims and appeals.
As it stands, migrants staying in hotels across Britain cost British taxpayers up to £5.5million every day.
One insider on negotiations told The Times: “This is something that we would see as mutually beneficial but so far there has been no movement.
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“The EU’s argument appears to be that it would set a precedent and that third parties can’t have access to Schengen databases.
“But it is frustrating, as it makes co-operation in areas like illegal migration much harder.”
Meanwhile, another official said that Brussels was being “intransigent” and “dogmatic”, adding: “No matter how clear the mutual benefit, they’re not budging from the principle.”
A third admitted that the EU was being “hard” on giving way to access.
The bloc’s 'intransigence' has come as the Prime Minister attempts to push through his Brexit 'reset'
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The bloc’s “intransigence” has come as the Prime Minister attempts to push through his Brexit “reset”.
In just two weeks, London will play host to an array of European leaders as Starmer attempts to negotiate a defence pact with the union.
A Government spokesman said: “We are not providing a running commentary on our discussions with the EU. These are ongoing and cover a wide range of issues.
“Together we want to build a safer, more secure and more prosperous UK and we have been clear that we will always act in the national interest to secure the best outcomes for the UK.”
