No-deal Brexit could make UK a 'safe haven' for Mafia and paedophiles, warns Diane Abbott
Diane Abbott has warned that a no-deal Brexit could have severe criminal consequences for the UK, including making it a safe haven for the Mafia and paedophiles.
The shadow home secretary said a non-negotiated exit from Brussels could also have terror implications for the country.
‘Put simply, the government’s hard Brexit and its lack of progress on security matters contains a real risk that this country could become a safe haven for the terrorists, the Mafia type criminals, the smugglers and the paedophiles on the run from the EU 27,’ she said.
‘This is not a prospect either this country or the EU should contemplate.’
Ms Abbott was speaking to the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and National Police Chiefs Council.
She also told the conference that police should not have to pick and choose between crimes, amid fears that overstretched forces cannot respond to all crimes.
Her comments came after the former police chief Sara Thornton said catching burglars should be prioritised above recording incidents.
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‘If society sets certain objectives, if society wants to promote certain behavioural norms, then it is for Government to provide the resources so the police can play its part,’ she said.
‘The police cannot pick and choose between crimes.’
Britain is set to leave the European Union next March.
However, there is still been no formal settlement reached between London and Brussels and predictions of a hard Brexit have increased.
In recent days, ministers have claimed that a deal will be reached later this month, however it remains unclear if this will be the case.
