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
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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
The Home Office is currently in negotiations with several countries, including Vietnam, Kurdistan and Turkey, to strengthen cooperation and security agreements.
Initial discussions are focused primarily on intelligence sharing and border security measures, rather than direct funding arrangements.
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Downing Street indicated that potential funding could support border staff in identifying people trafficked by gangs and finance information campaigns about the risks of attempting to reach the UK.
The government has already seen some success, with approximately 9,000 people returned to their country of origin since the election.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer shake hands as they meet at Villa Doria Pamphilj in RomeReuters
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.
Small boat crossing intercepted by Border ForcePA
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.
