The UK’s plan to pay Libya to prevent migrants from crossing the Mediterranean Sea and to send them back to their home countries is aimed at reducing the influx of migrants to the continent, according to illegal immigration minister Michael Tomlinson.
The scheme appears to be part of efforts to address the increasing number of people attempting to reach Europe.
Tomlinson emphasised the human toll of the small boat crisis in the Mediterranean, stating, “We simply cannot afford to look away.”
He also highlighted the UK’s significant role in addressing the issue and reducing migrant numbers.
Tomlinson described Libyan waters as “alluring but deadly” for migrants and emphasised the “tragic” loss of life in the English Channel this week during his announcement in the Telegraph.
“Now faced with the most complex and consequential of challenges, the United Kingdom is playing a leading role not just on the European front, but on the global stage.
“This is an international problem that requires an international solution.
“It is in this context that I have this week visited Libya, where I announced up to £1 million to tackle illegal migration at the source.
“Libya is a crucial launch point for migrants, and the funding and support we are providing will ensure Libya is better equipped to stop people risking their lives to reach Europe.”
He further explained that the seven-figure funding would also aid trafficking survivors and assist migrants who wish to return to their home countries.
He noted a significant increase in participation, with “almost 20,000” people signing up for the scheme last year, doubling the number from 2022.
He summed up: “We have already seen evidence that this works. Similar assistance provided to Tunisia allowed them to return thousands of migrants to their home countries last year.
“The timing for this has never been more critical. We are taking these steps as arrivals into Europe from North Africa are at an all-time high.”
Similar “upstream” agreements have been established with several other countries, such as Turkey, Pakistan, India, and various European states, all aimed at addressing illegal migration closer to its origin.
The illegal immigration minister noted that both the Prime Minister and Home Secretary James Cleverly have been “resolute in their commitment to confront this challenge directly.”
While acknowledging the need for further action, he emphasised, “The strain that illegal migration places on taxpayers and on our public services has real-life consequences for British people, and we know they rightly expect us to be relentless in tackling this.
“This isn’t just Libya or North Africa; it isn’t just Europe. It is a global challenge. And we are getting on with the job. We will do whatever it takes to secure our borders, reform our immigration system, and stop the boats.”
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