Nick Clegg could block Tory plans to claw back EU justice powers "While some measures of European co-operation on crime are old, out of date or defunct, the police and other law enforcement agencies consistently tell us that other measures are essential for our national security and public safety," Mr Clegg said after meeting yesterday with campaigners from Justice Across Borders. We want to improve the way the arrest warrant works....but this key crime fighting tool should be reformed, not abandoned. Mr Clegg warned that Britain could become a "safe haven" for foreign criminals if it pulls out of the European Arrest Warrant. He issued the fresh warning shot to the Tories over plans to opt out of EU-wide justice and policing measures after meeting campaigners. Among them was the mother of an ex-footballer badly beaten in Crete who complained "ideological battles in Westminster" were putting justice at risk. Maggie Hughes believes four men found guilty by a Greek court of an attack which left son Robert with brain damage would have escaped justice if such a warrant had not been in force. Mrs Hughes said: "We need to keep what we've already got, because without the European arrest warrant we may never have got the suspects back to Greece and justice for Robbie. My son's ability and other people's children's ability to get justice should not be threatened by ideological battles in Westminster. No-one has told me what the good reasons are to pull out of this cooperation, and Mr Clegg agreed we must protect the EAW and other important measures. In a joint statement, Justice Across Borders, Anti-Slavery International, ECPAT UK and former Crime Watch presenter Nick Ross, who also attended the talks, said: "We were pleased the Deputy Prime Minister signalled today his unequivocal support for the tough measures that are proven to be so effective in tackling international crime, such as the European arrest warrant. Victims and potential victims of human trafficking, and child trafficking would be increasingly vulnerable should the Government choose to abandon cooperation with our European partners and agencies, such as Europol. We must beware of those who are being soft on crime by pushing for this opt-out purely on ideological reasons. Should the UK opt out of European justice measures?