EU Demands Power Concessions for Migrant Data Sharing, Burnham to Seek Deal

Brussels is demanding that the United Kingdom cede powers to EU judges and make financial contributions in exchange for enhanced cooperation on tackling the migrant crisis. The European Union is insisting on oversight of data usage by the Luxembourg-based European Court of Justice (ECJ) as a condition for granting access to its migrant and criminal databases, which were lost by the UK after Brexit.

Andy Burnham is expected to use an upcoming summit, designed to strengthen ties between the UK and the bloc, to negotiate a new agreement that would restore this data-sharing capability. Access to systems such as the Schengen Information System, which provides real-time alerts on criminal suspects, and Eurodac, a fingerprinting database for illegal migrants, is seen as crucial for border security.

However, the requirement for ECJ oversight is likely to face significant opposition from Brexiteers, who already express concerns about the EU's engagement on migrant issues. Conservative deputy leader Alex Burghart commented on the potential terms, stating, "If access to EU databases means handing over taxpayers' money and accepting ECJ oversight, Labour must explain the price. You cannot put a price on sovereignty."

This move follows a previous rejection by the EU of a bid by Sir Keir Starmer last year to access the same databases. Burnham recently discussed the prospect of restoring data sharing with President von der Leyen, describing her openness to the conversation as a "positive aspect" of their meeting. He indicated his commitment to working towards a practical arrangement on this issue at the November summit, noting that it represents control lost by Britain following Brexit. The ECJ already plays a role in overseeing the Windsor Framework, which governs the border arrangements for Northern Ireland under a deal previously negotiated by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Any expansion of the ECJ's authority over UK data usage is anticipated to be a contentious point in future discussions.