EU Sides with Illegal Migrants, Britain’s Bold Request Denied in Shocking Brexit Clash

The European Union has reportedly told the UK it won’t be allowed access to a key database used to track illegal migrants. This is part of ongoing Brexit discussions, and it’s seen as a major setback for Britain. The EU said it can’t share certain information, like fingerprints of illegal migrants, with UK police and immigration officials.

Sources in the UK government told The Times that the EU made it clear there will be no access to the Schengen Information System (SIS), a database used by many European countries to share details about security and border issues. The UK will also be blocked from using Eurodac, the EU’s fingerprint database for people caught trying to enter Europe illegally.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had made better access to this kind of data a top priority, especially for tackling crimes like people smuggling. In November, he said that sharing information across borders is essential for fighting crime. UK officials had hoped that having access to these systems would make it easier to identify and remove people who had already been denied asylum.

Not being able to access these tools is seen as a major loss, especially with over 11,000 people having crossed the English Channel so far this year. One UK government source said the EU’s refusal is disappointing because both sides would benefit from sharing data. Another official said that the EU is being very strict and unwilling to compromise, even though the UK is only asking for a practical solution to continue cooperation.

Before Brexit, the UK had limited access to the SIS system through its EU membership, even though it wasn’t fully part of the Schengen Zone, where countries have removed internal border checks. There are currently 25 EU members and four non-EU countries in that zone.

UK and EU officials are continuing their talks this week ahead of a major Brexit summit on May 19. The UK is hoping to make progress on several issues, including defense cooperation, smoother food trade, and easier electricity exchange. Meanwhile, the EU is pushing for more visa flexibility for young people and long-term fishing rights in British waters.

A UK government spokesperson said they won’t comment in detail on the ongoing talks but emphasized that the goal is to make the UK safer, more secure, and more successful, and that all negotiations are focused on the national interest.