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Emmanuel Macron Blames Brexiteers For Small Boats Crisis After Striking Migrant Deal With Starmer

Emmanuel Macron Blames Brexiteers For Small Boats Crisis After Striking Migrant Deal With Starmer
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron at their press conference.Emmanuel Macron has blamed Brexiteers for the small boats crisis as he agreed a “groundbreaking” migrant returns deal with Keir Starmer in a bid to solve the issue.The French president said British voters had been misled before the EU referendum in 2016.He made his comments at a press conference marking the end of his three-day state visit to the UK.Starmer had earlier announced a “one in one out” agreement which will see illegal immigrants who arrive in Dover in small boats being detained and then returned to France.In return, the UK will accept the same number of immigrants whose asylum claims have been processed in France.The PM hopes that the scheme will act as a deterrent to stop asylum seekers making the perilous journey across the Channel.An initial pilot scheme will start within weeks and will initially see 50 migrants per week being sent to France.However, that is only one in 17 of the total number who cross the Channel.The prime minister said: “There is no silver bullet here, but with a united effort, new tactics and a new level of intent, we can finally turn the tables.”But Macron – a fierce critic of Brexit – used the press conference to launch an outspoken attack on those who had campaigned for the UK to leave the EU with promises that it would lead to a fall in immigration.He said: “Since Brexit, and I’m saying all this quite honestly – I know this is not your case prime minister – but many people in your country explained that Brexit would make it possible to fight more effectively against illegal immigration, but since Brexit the UK has no migratory agreement with the EU.”Macron said that meant those crossing the Channel know that they will not automatically be returned to France.He added: “That makes an incentive to make the crossing, precisely the opposite of what the Brexiters promised.”In a speech at the Guildhall in London on Wednesday night, Macron said that the UK was “stronger in the European Union”.He said: “I am not totally convinced that both the European Union and France and the UK are in the best possible position today.“I am very respectful for the voice of the people and the choice your country made nine years ago, and I’m lucid about the solemnity of the state visit being the first one of a European head of state post-Brexit.“But I have to say the European Union was stronger with you and you were stronger with the European Union.”Reacting to the UK-France migrant deal, shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: “Labour’s deal will only return one in every 17 illegal immigrants arriving.“Allowing 94% of illegal immigrants to stay will make no difference whatsoever and have no deterrent effect.“This is the latest catastrophic example that when Labour negotiates, the UK loses.”Related...What Is Expected To Be In Starmer And Macron's 'One-In, One-Out' Migrant Deal?Emmanuel Macron Takes Aim At Brexit And Tells UK: 'You Were Stronger With The European Union'Emmanuel Macron Launches Bitter Attack On Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Plan

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