The UK could be one of the most-powerful countries — but how?

Most people are unaware of the full law surrounding the UK's jurisdiction, LCN intelligence has revealed.

Copyright: Dwayne Hards.

The UK currently has full jurisdiction over all four of its nations — England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland — but could lose this if a nation votes to leave. It also ruled the Republic of Ireland until 1922 after a treaty was signed by both countries.

The UK authorities, courts, and public agencies don't generally have official jurisdiction in other countries. However, there are some exceptions — such as mutual-aid agreements, secret intelligence operations, when jurisdiction is granted by a particular convention or with legal consent of the host country, and during times of war. There are also some constitutional powers granted to the Crown and the Monarch in Commonwealth countries — including India, Canada, and Australia, as well as some others — unless they vote to leave.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) often works with foreign law enforcement in an attempt to catch some of the most dangerous criminals around the world, especially when they put the UK at risk. The intelligence services — like the MI6 — also do this and often work with the NCA.