Breaking News: Starmer Pushes for Immigration Deal with France Amid EU Concerns
In urgent breaking news, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to bolster cooperation with French President Emmanuel Macron during the latter’s state visit to the UK. The focus is on tackling irregular immigration, a pressing issue for Starmer who faces intense political pressure over the continuous influx of migrants to England’s shores.
Political Pressure and Bilateral Agreement Challenges
Starmer, who has been grappling with the rise of populist right-wing voices like Nigel Farage, needs a strong response to alleviate the pressure. However, a potential bilateral agreement with France is being hindered by concerns from EU countries such as Spain and Italy. These nations fear that any deal negotiated between Paris and London could redirect migration flows to their territories.
The One-In, One-Out Proposal
The proposed “one-in, one-out” pact aims to curb the migrant crisis by allowing France to return migrants to the continent in exchange for the UK accepting those with family ties in Britain. This initiative, however, faces significant hurdles due to the apprehensions of other EU member states.
Macron’s Visit and EU Cooperation
Macron’s visit, the first by a French head of state since 2008 and the first of an EU leader post-Brexit, centers around immigration. The French president emphasized the need for EU-wide cooperation rather than bilateral agreements, a stance that has put several EU countries on alert.
Addressing Attraction Factors
Macron also highlighted the need to address “attraction factors” in the UK, such as the ease of working illegally and the lack of stringent identity checks. The UK’s Interior Minister, Yvette Cooper, has already announced stricter controls on companies hiring foreign workers to tackle these issues.
Historical and Future Implications
Immigration has long been a contentious issue in the UK, particularly since the Brexit referendum. Starmer’s predecessor, Boris Johnson, had proposed deporting refugees to Rwanda, a plan Starmer subsequently scrapped. With over 20,000 migrants reaching the English coast this year alone, the stakes are high for the Labour government.
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