IN AN extraordinary deal struck with Britain's historic rival, Rishi Sunak has declared a "big step forward" in ending the Channel migrants crisis.
'We have taken a big step forward'
He won the support of France's President Macron, adding last night: "I said we would stop the boats."
The PM agreed that Britain will pay £478million over three years to fund a new detention centre near Dunkirk and 500 more beach patrol officers plus extra drones and surveillance equipment to detect the people traffickers. Clearly delighted with the hard-won agreement, despite the high cost, Mr Sunak said: "I said we would stop the boats. We have taken a big step forward to do just that, working closely with our French allies and friends."
He told the Daily Express: "It's so important for the country we get this right." The leaders revealed they are taking "our co-operation to an unprecedented level to tackle this shared challenge".
The Express understands Paris is expected to pay "five times" the UK contribution, so the deal could eventually total around £3billion.
Migrants found living illegally in France will be taken to the detention site and held until they can be returned to either their home country or to a transit country using European arrangements.
Sources said the UK contribution to the Dunkirk facility is around £26million. UK Border Force officers will be based permanently in France under the deal.
Mr Sunak said: "Emmanuel and I share the same belief: criminal gangs should not get to decide who comes to our countries. Within weeks of my coming into office, we agreed our largest-ever small boats deal. And today, we've taken our co-operation to an unprecedented level.
Bu hikaye Daily Express dergisinin March 11, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Daily Express dergisinin March 11, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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