By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2024-11-18 20:21:25 | Updated at 2024-11-18 22:34:03
2 hours ago
Former Conservative MP Michael Brown has dismissed Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's plans to pay countries to reduce illegal migration, declaring there is "not a chance in hell" of it working.
Speaking on GB News, Brown was particularly critical of potential agreements with Turkey, stating: "Turkey are literally exporting these migrants and there's only one direction to northern Europe and onto French beaches."
He added: "There's not a hope. Turkey themselves are getting rid of as many migrants as possible and sending them to Bulgaria."
Starmer has backed proposals to provide financial support to countries including Vietnam and Kurdistan in an effort to reduce illegal migration to Britain.
Michael Brown said there is 'not a chance in hell' Starmer's plan works
GB NEWS / PA
Speaking en route to the G20 conference in Brazil, the Labour leader endorsed the initiative, stating: "Anything else we can do to stop people leaving in the first place is the right thing, whatever point of impact."
The plans would form part of Labour's broader strategy to tackle people smuggling and illegal Channel crossings.
Michael Brown and Nigel Nelson disagreed on the matter
GB NEWS
Italy's approach under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has demonstrated notable success in reducing Mediterranean crossings through similar financial agreements.
The EU provided Tunisia with £88 million last year for border security and coastguard training, while Italy offered additional patrol vessels and £83 million for education and economic initiatives.
These measures have yielded significant results, with Frontex, the EU's border force, reporting a 64 per cent reduction in arrivals from North Africa and Malta.
British government sources, however, have played down comparisons with Meloni's strategy.
Starmer emphasised that tackling criminal gangs remains central to addressing the migrant crisis.
"I am absolutely clear in my mind that taking down the gangs is the single most effective way of stopping the boats going across the Channel," he said.
Drawing on his past experience, he added: "I have worked for five years as chief prosecutor when we took down terrorist gangs, we took down people who were moving guns and drugs and people across borders."
He insisted that dismantling these networks would serve as a major deterrent.
