BRITAIN must continue to play a leading role in the security of Europe after Brexit, the former boss of EU law enforcement agency Europol has said.
Rob Wainwright, who led the agency for nine years until March 2018, said the UK had an "extraordinary reputation" for intelligence and policing work and he did not expect it to change when the country leaves the EU.
Speaking at a Buckingham Palace investiture ceremony where he received a knnighthood for his services to policing and security, he said: "I think the security dimensions of Brexit are very important, as recognised by the Prime Minister, by Parliament and recognised also by the European Union.
"I think that this is an area where there is a common will to find a good balance to make sure therefore that, in whatever terms we do exit the European Union, Britain continues play a leading role in the security framework of Europe.
"It's very important for us to get this right. I am very confident we will still do that.
"Britain has an extraordinary reputation for intelligence work and policing around the world, and even through this debate over the last two years that hasn't changed and I don't expect it to."
Europol works with EU members states to combat serious organised crime and terrorism.
In the run-up to the UK's EU referendum vote, Wainwright issued several warnings about the possible security risks of Brexit.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here