On the initiative of the European Police Chiefs, the Member States decided to transform the ‘5G Expert Group’ that was set up at Europol on Germany’s initiative into a ‘Permanent Group of Heads of Lawful Interception Units’, with the aim being that the heads of Europe’s Lawful Interception Units work more closely together. In addition to coordinating and standardising operational capabilities, the group will develop uniform methods and technical analysis standards. One of the topics that will be addressed is access to properly secure end-to-end encrypted telecommunications.

1. Will the UK be included in the permanent group of the Heads of Lawful Interception Units at Europol and, if so, which department(s) from the UK Government will be represented at The Hague?

2. When and by which body were the Member States asked about the possibility of the UK being included, and who made the final decision?

3. What limitations will apply to the UK that will not apply to Member States, Norway, Switzerland or Iceland?