Commons backs EU justice opt-outs

15 July 2013 Last updated at 21:09 GMT Theresa May says her plan is "in the national interest" MPs have backed government plans to "opt out" of all European Union police and criminal justice measures.

The prime minister wants to jettison all existing rules and then negotiate to re-adopt the ones he feels are in the national interest.

The opt-out move was passed by a Commons majority of 97.

The government wants the UK to re-adopt the European Arrest Warrant, but many Tory MPs say this undermines UK sovereignty over key justice issues.

The agreement of all the other 27 EU members would be needed if the UK chooses to take on any crime and justice measures again.

Continue reading the main story The European Arrest Warrant was used to bring back teacher Jeremy Forrest to face charges of abducting a 15-year-old pupilCritics say the warrant has led to the unfair trials of Britons abroad, including that of Andrew Symeou, who was held in a Greek prison for four years before being acquitted Last week, Home Secretary Theresa May announced these would include the European Arrest Warrant, which some Tories say has led to disproportionate extraditions to face minor charges abroad.

Mrs May promised British law would be amended to "rectify problems and increase protections".

The government's opt-out motion - opposed by Labour - involves 133 measures.

The Commons also accepted unopposed an amendment by Eurosceptic Conservative MP Bill Cash giving a greater remit to Commons select committees to scrutinise which crime and justice rules the government decides to opt back in to.

For Labour, shadow Home Office minister Chris Bryant said there were "genuine risks" from the opt-outs, as there were "no guarantees" the UK could opt back in to any measures.

But Mrs May said: "I believe the government's programme of reform will get the balance right."

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British government backs major bank shake-up

It is the UK’s biggest financial shake-up for years.

Britain plans to reform its banks, forcing them to set up barriers between their retail operations and riskier investment arms.

The aim of better protecting ordinary customers in any future crisis was outlined in parliament by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne.

“It is important to know that this ring fence will not prevent banks from failing but it does mean that if banks get into trouble those elements of the banking system that are vital for families, businesses and for the whole economy can continue without resorting to taxpayers,” he said.

A government-appointed independent commission made the recommendations. Leading banks have lobbied against them, citing additional costs and red tape. London’s Mayor Boris Johnson also has concerns.

“By all means rebalance the British economy, but don’t kill the financial goose that lays the golden egg for loads of people who are on very modest incomes but who depend on financial services,” he said.

The government says taxpayers should not have to bail out banks in the future. But it also wants to ensure regulations do not harm London’s standing as a leading financial centre. Prime Minister David Cameron vetoed EU treaty changes this month to protect the City.

More about: Banking, Finance, United Kingdom Copyright © 2013 euronews

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