Heads of National Crime Agency and Police Chiefs’ Council to address Lords European Affairs Committee

It will also take evidence from the Independent Monitoring Authority, set up when the UK made the decision to exit the EU, and which protects the rights of EU and EEA (European Economic Area) EFTA citizens (European Free Trade Association), and their family members, in the UK and Gibraltar. 

The hearing on 14 May 2024 is open to the public.  

The committee, which is examining the free flow of data between the UK and the European Union, aims to report to the Government in the summer. So called “data adequacy” allows the free flow of commercial and criminal investigation-related personal data from the EU to continue (under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Law Enforcement Directive). 

Currently, the transfer of commercial and criminal investigation data is based on an EU “adequacy” decision which expires next year. Without it, maintaining data flows between the UK and the EU could become less straightforward. It could also impact UK-EU security co-operation as it could lead to restrictions on the flow of data for law enforcement between the UK and the EU. 

At 3pm, the committee will hear from: 

• Rob Jones, Director General Operations at National Crime Agency;
• Pete Ayling, Assistant Chief Constable at National Police Chiefs’ Council.

Questions that are likely to be raised include: 

• Could the reduced access to information shared by EU partners through Interpol worsen if data adequacy is withdrawn? 
• To what extent does the handling of data by UK law enforcement continue to be fully in line with the EU’s requirements? 
• How can the UK and EU ensure that effective law enforcement cooperation continues as their respective law enforcement systems change and evolve? 

The evidence session will be available to watch live or on demand on Parliament TV, or in person in Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster. The committee will also hear from the IMA at 4pm.  

Their witnesses will be: 

• Leo O'Reilly, Interim Chair at Independent Monitoring Authority;
• Miranda Biddle, Chief Executive at the Independent Monitoring Authority;
• Pam Everett, Director of Operational Delivery at Independent Monitoring Authority; 
• Rhys Davies, General Counsel at Independent Monitoring Authority. 

Questions are likely to include: 

• What is the role of the IMA, its key tasks and how would you summarise your relationship with the Government? 
• What would you see as the current main challenges facing EU citizens in the UK?