Written question asked by John Hayes (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 May 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 June 2009 on behalf of the Home Office.

Schengen Agreement

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in which aspects of the Schengen system the UK participates.

Answer: The UK participates in the police and judicial co-operation aspects of the Schengen acquis in accordance with the European Union Council Decision of 29 May 2000 concerning the request of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis (2000/365/EC). The UK does not participate in the provisions of the Schengen acquis relating to visas and borders having taken the decision that we wished to maintain our own frontier controls.

Secondary information