The British government said Friday that the “global immigration crisis” is an urgent issue for Europe as a whole and requires close cooperation across the continent.
So far this year, more than 24,700 illegal immigrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel on a small boat. This is almost three times the number in 2020.
A spokesman at 10 Downing Street said the government is working “very closely” with French authorities to prevent migrants from crossing the strait.
“Our work so far has prevented more than 20,000 immigrant attempts so far this year, but it is clear that we need to do more, both ourselves and the French. That’s why we continue to work so closely with them, “he said.
“We are facing a global immigration crisis choreographed by organized crime groups who put people on these boats to create these incredibly dangerous crossroads. This is urgent for Europe as a whole. It is a problem and we need to work very closely with our neighbors France, Belgium, the Netherlands and friends across the continent. This is a common problem and we need a common solution. “
In July, the United Kingdom and France announced an agreement on addressing this issue. Under this agreement, Britain will pay France £ 54 million ($ 75 million), more than double the number of police patrol the beaches of France.
Despite the government’s promise to stop the flow of small boats, this year’s numbers continue to exceed those of the previous year, leading to occasional fierce language exchanges between British and French officials.
In an interview with the French newspaper La Vois du Nord, President Emmanuel Macron said the British “sway between partnership and provocation” when discussing the immigration crisis. “We need to further strengthen our collaboration,” he emphasized.
French officials have had to disband a group of immigrants using a CS gas canister and a case where police officers were bitten by the recent intensification of leveled violence by French police. He says he emphasizes the incident.
Kevin Sanders, a former Supreme Immigrant of the British Border Forces, said on Saturday that channel immigrants must be dealt with offshore to allow authorities to dismiss the failure to apply for asylum.
“That’s the only way to prevent people from coming to the UK,” he told Times Radio. “We’ve seen people trying to do it on land and in the straits with the French, but nothing works.”
He said Britain was “very attractive” to immigrants and “people know they will not be taken away” when they arrive.
“How many or five did you remove this year? About 30,000 arrived and removed five, but it’s not very good. They won the jackpot when they entered the UK. I know.”
Meanwhile, the Albanian ambassador to the United Kingdom denied reports that he was in talks with the British government about hosting a processing center for immigrants arriving in the United Kingdom.
Qirjako Qirko told LBC Radio that there was “zero negotiations” between the two countries on this issue.
He said Albania was “very clear” that “it would never be a disposal center for illegal immigrants.”
PA contributed to this report.
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