LONDON (Reuters) – Britain announced that it has reached an agreement with Turkey aimed at reducing the number of illegal immigrants passing through Turkey on their way to Europe. The deal includes joint police operations to combat smuggling rings and the trade of boat parts.
In light of the upcoming election next year, where the issue of illegal migration is a prominent topic, the British government pledged its support for a new Turkish police center that will enhance existing cooperation in law enforcement.
The new memorandum of understanding will facilitate quicker exchange of customs data, according to a statement released by the British government on Tuesday. “Our partnership with Turkey, a close friend and ally, will enable our law enforcement agencies to work together on this international problem and tackle the small boat supply chain,” said interior minister Suella Braverman.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made reducing the number of illegal migrants arriving in Britain a central promise for this year, as he seeks to narrow the significant lead of the opposition Labour Party in public opinion polls.
This week, the British government introduced a plan to accommodate some migrants in a large residential barge along the southern coast. This is part of an effort to discourage migrants from staying in hotels upon their arrival in the country via small boats.
(Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
