In a significant policy development, Sir Keir Starmer has endorsed proposals for Britain to provide financial assistance to countries including Vietnam and Iraq, aimed at reducing illegal migration to the UK. The Labour leader characterised this approach as the ‘right thing’ to do, emphasising prevention at the source rather than dealing with consequences of Channel crossings.
The strategic shift mirrors Italy’s successful model, where substantial payments to partner nations have yielded impressive results. Italian data reveals a 62% reduction in migrant arrivals during the initial seven months of implementation, whilst EU border force Frontex confirms a 64% decrease in arrivals from North Africa and Malta.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is reportedly orchestrating discussions with several governments, including Kurdistan, Turkey, and Vietnam. These negotiations are expected to culminate in comprehensive ‘cooperation and security’ agreements before year-end. Sources close to Cooper emphasise the initial focus on intelligence sharing and border security mechanisms rather than direct deterrence measures.
The financial implications of such agreements could be substantial. Italy’s arrangement with Tunisia involved an £88 million EU contribution for border security and coastguard training, supplemented by Italy’s £83 million investment in local businesses, education, and renewable energy projects.
Despite humanitarian organisations raising concerns about similar programmes in Libya and Tunisia, Labour maintains this approach differs fundamentally from the Conservative government’s Rwanda deportation scheme. Transport Secretary Louise Haigh stressed the importance of international partnership, whilst Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp cautioned that additional deterrent measures would still be necessary.
Since the current administration took office, over 9,000 individuals who entered the UK irregularly have been returned to their countries of origin, demonstrating the existing framework’s capacity for enforcement. The proposed financial assistance programme represents a strategic evolution in Britain’s approach to managing irregular migration, combining preventative measures with established enforcement mechanisms.
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