Liberal Democrats Urge UK to Join EU Migration Pact to Disrupt Channel Crossings

The Liberal Democrats have called for the United Kingdom to join the European Union's recently approved migration and asylum pact, contending that such a move would effectively "destroy the business model" of organised gangs profiting from Channel crossings. Ed Davey, the party's leader, highlighted the government's existing strategy as an "abject failure" and urged for the establishment of a formal returns agreement with the EU.

Mr Davey criticised the government for refusing to engage in talks with European partners, describing this stance as "cutting off our nose to spite our face". He further suggested that the absence of a returns agreement with the EU has exacerbated the issue of small boat crossings. The EU pact, ratified by the European Parliament earlier this month, aims to streamline asylum procedures and increase deportations for unsuccessful applicants across member states.

A spokesperson for the Home Office reiterated the government's position, stating that the UK's focus remains on implementing its own plan to halt illegal immigration. This plan includes efforts to disrupt people-smuggling operations and expedite the removal of individuals with no right to remain in the UK.