France is urging the United Kingdom to establish safe and legal routes for migrants to claim asylum from within the European Union, following a devastating incident in the English Channel that left 12 people dead, two missing, and two critically injured. French Interior Minister Gérard Darmanin emphasized the need for safer migration pathways just hours after the tragedy, stressing the importance of creating a formalized system that would allow asylum seekers to legally seek refuge in the UK from EU territories.

 

Darmanin described the tragic event as a “terrible shipwreck” on X, formerly known as Twitter, and called for a new agreement that would allow for “re-establishing a classic migration relationship” between the UK and the EU, not just between France and the UK. He stated, “The solution is…to do a treaty that allows the UK and the EU to create a causal link between asylum requests and the granting of asylum in the UK. Otherwise, we will be condemned to see the small boats continue.”

 

Highlighting the allure of the UK for migrants, Darmanin pointed out that many feel drawn to the country because they can often find work without proper documentation and are rarely deported. He also criticized the Rwanda deportation deal, stating that its collapse had failed to deter human traffickers, and mentioned the ongoing financial strain of migration controls, with France shouldering most of the costs despite British contributions. Darmanin said, “The tens of millions of euros we negotiate every year with our British friends, who only pay a third of what we spend,” highlighting the insufficient impact of the current £478 million Anglo-French deal meant to bolster beach patrols.

 

Despite France’s calls for action, the UK Government appears unlikely to adopt the proposed approach. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has expressed openness to a new “Dublin” agreement that would facilitate the return of illegal migrants to the EU but ruled out any reciprocal arrangement that would see the UK accepting thousands of migrants from Europe. The UK Government has scrapped the controversial Rwanda deportation scheme, redirecting funds to establish a new Border Security Command. This initiative will involve the deployment of up to 1,000 additional officers, many stationed across Europe, to collaborate with agencies like Europol in dismantling human smuggling networks.

 

Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly, who previously advocated reviving the Rwanda scheme, labeled the situation as “tragic” and unsustainable. He stressed the need for decisive action against people smuggling and emphasized the importance of restoring a strong deterrent to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and secure the UK’s borders. Cleverly stated, “It is not enough to talk about ‘smashing the gangs’ when the real-life consequences are so serious.”

 

In its latest report, the National Crime Agency (NCA) underscored the persistent and high-risk nature of these dangerous crossings, warning that the volume of attempts and the increasingly hazardous conditions, such as overcrowding on smaller and less stable boats, have made fatal outcomes more likely. NCA Chief Graeme Biggar highlighted the urgent need for an asylum system that works “quickly and effectively” to deter dangerous crossings.

 

Charities, including the Refugee Council, have voiced support for France’s proposal, urging the UK Government to expand safe and legal routes for asylum seekers. They argue that such measures would significantly reduce the reliance on perilous crossings and provide a more humane and controlled approach to migration. As the debate continues, the tragic loss of life serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for international cooperation and more compassionate migration policies.

 

Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-09-05

 

 

 

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Looks like Starmer's visit with Macron worked out well!

Don't worry, the cheque will be in the post!

An asylum seeker attempting to enter the UK will have travelled through half a dozen EU countries, in all of which they can claim asylum, through all of which they are travelling illegally.

 

It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the EU is facilitating the transit of illegal immigrants who wish to enter the UK for economic reasons, which makes "smashing the gangs" an empty slogan.

 

The £478 million we are paying France ( like Danegeld they are now demanding more) could better be spent on chasing down and prosecuting the employers of illegal immigrants within the UK. Car wash centres and takeaway delivery moped operations are just a starting point, the visible bit if you like.

 

 

2 hours ago, nauseus said:

Looks like Starmer's visit with Macron worked out well!

 

I'd imagine it was Starmer's idea. 

Well, I guess France has a Mediterranean coast and an English Channel coastline so the UK could set up an agency in France first. Then they could mark each person on a checklist and simply decide on the spot.

No.

Nope.

Not on your Nelly.

Not a hope in hell.

Don't bother.

 

After refusing each request, France could deal with them.

 

Seems the French are blaming the UK's pathetically weak stance for this.

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13811143/Britains-soft-touch-rules-illegal-migrants-blame-latest-English-Channel-tragedy-says-France-emerges-migrants-REFUSED-chance-rescued-minutes-died.html

 

6 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Seems the French are blaming the UK's pathetically weak stance for this.

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13811143/Britains-soft-touch-rules-illegal-migrants-blame-latest-English-Channel-tragedy-says-France-emerges-migrants-REFUSED-chance-rescued-minutes-died.html

 

 

If the French controlled their own arrivals and departures responsibly then there would be no deaths.

 

M. Darmanin should get his own house in order before blaming the UK.

11 minutes ago, nauseus said:

 

If the French controlled their own arrivals and departures responsibly then there would be no deaths.

 

M. Darmanin should get his own house in order before blaming the UK.

 

Both sides to blame IMO.

 

The French for not controlling their borders, and the UK for being pathetically weak on immigration (ideologically and in terms of enforcement). 

Maybe they should claim it before they leave their source country then UK Government could send them money for a ticket...save all that hassling and deny the people smugglers a platform?

10 hours ago, Social Media said:

“The solution is…to do a treaty that allows the UK and the EU to create a causal link between asylum requests and the granting of asylum in the UK.

The UK being the first safe country, right?

37 minutes ago, mokwit said:

The UK being the first  country, right?

 

Not so sure about "safe" these days.

42 minutes ago, wombat said:

Maybe they should claim it before they leave their source country then UK Government could send them money for a ticket...save all that hassling and deny the people smugglers a platform?

 

Maybe that's what they had in mind when they took away the pensioner's winter fuel allowance?

On 9/5/2024 at 8:36 AM, Social Media said:

mentioned the ongoing financial strain of migration controls, with France shouldering most of the costs despite British contributions. Darmanin said, “The tens of millions of euros we negotiate every year with our British friends, who only pay a third of what we spend,” highlighting the insufficient impact of the current £478 million Anglo-French deal meant to bolster beach patrols.

LOL.

 

France should stop letting them in if it's such a cost to them.

 

As for Britain making it easier for illegals to move to Britain, that would IMO rightly cause a massive uproar against the Labour party. Britain doesn't want illegals.

37 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

LOL.

 

France should stop letting them in if it's such a cost to them.

 

 

Usual nonsense. France does not "let in" illegal immigrants they enter ... err ... illegally. 

 

France has land borders totalling +/-2,700km. I'm sure that Macron or Barnier will be keen to know your plans for policing such a large area.