Today, Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged European leaders to join forces in addressing the escalating crisis of illegal migration across the English Channel.
Hosting a significant summit at Blenheim Palace, Starmer was joined by leaders including Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz, and Giorgia Meloni.
The meeting, held at the birthplace of Winston Churchill, focused primarily on the challenges of illegal immigration and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also in attendance, passionately advocating for increased support for his country.
Starmer emphasized the importance of the UK maintaining strong ties with Europe, despite not being part of the European Union. He called on leaders to collaborate in tackling the “crisis,” highlighting the dangers posed by human trafficking networks.
“We must combine our resources, share intelligence, share tactics, shut down the smuggling routes, and smash the gangs,” he declared.
He also stressed the need to address the root causes of migration, such as conflict, climate change, and poverty.
Under his administration, Starmer promised a humane approach to migration, respecting international law.
He criticized the previous government’s Rwanda scheme and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the European Convention on Human Rights.
There were expectations that Starmer might discuss a potential agreement to return small boat arrivals in exchange for accepting asylum seekers, although Downing Street downplayed this prospect.
Strengthening European Security and Solidarity
The summit also highlighted the UK’s intent to strengthen security ties with Europe, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine.
Starmer expressed a desire to renew the UK’s relationship with Europe, focusing on collective efforts to tackle issues like human trafficking and Russian aggression.
He stressed that only through cooperation could Europe secure its borders, boost economic growth, and uphold democratic values.
Looking Ahead: A New Path for Europe
The gathering at Blenheim Palace was more relaxed than typical international summits, with leaders attending a reception hosted by the King in the historic Long Library.
This meeting marked the beginning of what Starmer described as a new approach to Europe’s challenges, aiming to benefit future generations by working together on common issues.
Immediate Actions and Future Plans
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy clarified that the UK had no immediate plans for a returns deal but emphasized the government’s red lines on the issue.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper detailed the new Border Security Command’s role in combating organized immigration crime, using counter-terror powers to address the issue across Europe and beyond. The UK government is also set to introduce a fast-tracked system to prioritize cases with the highest chance of return, signaling a more robust stance on illegal immigration.
This summit, part of the European Political Community initiative spearheaded by France’s Emmanuel Macron, included 20 non-EU nations alongside the EU’s 27 member states.
The event underscored the UK’s commitment to being a proactive partner in Europe, despite the changing political landscape.
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