In a major intervention, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy has demanded the government convene an urgent summit with France to tackle the escalating small boats crisis in the English Channel.
Lammy condemned the current Conservative approach as a "complete failure," arguing that a new, cooperative strategy with European neighbours is desperately needed to combat people smuggling networks and prevent further tragic loss of life.
The Labour frontbencher's call to action sharply criticises the government's stalled Rwanda deportation scheme, which he labels an expensive "gimmick" that has failed to act as a deterrent. He proposes a dual approach focusing on both security and compassion.
A New Strategy for Cross-Channel Cooperation
Lammy's proposed plan hinges on deeper collaboration with French authorities, moving beyond the current model of simply paying France to patrol its beaches. He advocates for a joint intelligence taskforce to dismantle smuggling gangs operating across Europe.
"The government's deal with France is not working," Lammy stated. "We need a new, stronger agreement and a proper plan to stop the boats."
Contrasting Visions on Immigration
This challenge to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak comes as the number of migrants arriving on UK shores continues to rise, threatening one of the government's key pledges to the electorate. Lammy accuses ministers of focusing on headline-grabbing schemes rather than the practical, hard work of international diplomacy.
He emphasised that a Labour government would seek a strategic partnership with the EU on migration, including measures to process asylum claims more efficiently and address the root causes of migration.
