asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will raise with the Governments of European countries the need for effective procedures to secure rapid response from police and border controls after an abduction takes place. [HL4156]

The police authorities of EU member states co-operate closely on cross-border crimes through the Schengen convention. A range of police co-operation measures were introduced under the Schengen convention in order to strengthen the response to cross-border crime when EU member states opened their borders. Mechanisms exist worldwide through Interpol systems, and the UK has tried-and-tested procedures following the introduction of the Child Abduction Act 1984.

The decision to close the borders of EU member states must be made on a case-by-case basis by the relevant national authorities.