BREXIT has not had a negative impact on how the UK shares secret spy information with other countries, a parliamentary watchdog has said.
In a new report, the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) said spy chiefs from MI5 and other agencies told them everything is pretty much the same as before Britain cut ties with Brussels.
This is despite several initial concerns Brexit could lead to reduced cooperation and weakened security ties with European nations.
Former US President Barack Obama was among top figures warning ahead of the 2016 referendum that intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism would be “far more effective” if the UK remained in the EU.
The committee, made up of senior MPs and peers, said in the report: “Overall, the committee is reassured that Brexit has not had a negative impact on intelligence co-operation between the UK and EU member states.”
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The panel recognised, though, the lack of impact is largely down to the fact intelligence activities with European counterparts has always taken place outside EU structures, and that national security tends to be unaffected by disagreements on other matters.