The government has succeeded in signing Britain up to the EU Arrest Warrant again – which is a component of 35 EU justice measures common to member states.
BBC News reports that Labour lost an attempt to use a rare Parliamentary procedure to stall the decision – and Labour MPs and some Conservative backbench MPs accused the government of breaking a promise to allow a vote on the EU Arrest warrant itself.
The EU Arrest Warrant allows fast-track extradition of suspects from other EU countries.
In 2013, the UK government opted out of a total of 133 EU Police and criminal justice measures – a decision on this will now take place on 1 December.
However, before that date, the UK government will sign up to the 35 EU justice measures which include the EU Arrest warrant. Supporters of the arrest warrant say it is a vital tool in preventing criminals crossing borders to escape justice.
Those opposed to the arrest warrant claim it threatens UK sovereignty – and is also overused, threatening the civil liberties of the British people.
Because the debate was closed early after Labour failed in its attempt to delay the vote, the Conservatives’ won their original motion by 464 to 38 votes.
Labour’s motion to postpone the vote was defeated by 272 votes to 229.
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