§ Mr. GallieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration he has given to cross-border policing issues; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangI am today issuing a paper prepared jointly by my Department and that of my right hon. and learned Friend, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which examines the issues affecting policing across the border between Scotland and England. At present, police officers may exercise their powers only in the country in which they are based. This presents problems when an officer has to cross the border between England and Scotland in the course of duty. The increasing sophistication and mobility of criminals has served to highlight the problem over recent years.
A recent paper produced by the four border police forces of Dumfries and Galloway, Lothian and Borders, Cumbria and Northumbria helpfully focused the present difficulties. My right hon. and learned Friend and I therefore decided to consider whether there was scope for improving on the present situation. The consultation document seeks views on options to help resolve the difficulties.
The document also touches on jurisdictional issues confronting courts in England and Scotland in relation to cross-border crime, but concludes that this complex subject must be treated separately.
We have invited comments on the paper by 18 June and shall welcome views from everyone with an interest in these issues. I hope that interested parties will respond quickly so that we can identify the best way forward.
Copies of the paper are available to hon. Members in the Library and, as usual, in the Vote Office.