France and Britain were at odds over Channel migrant crises. Paris finally called Britain’s Labour Market a ‘quasi modern slavery’.
It came as interior minister Gerald Darmanin ruled out joint Anglo-French coastal patrols in northern France – and proposed ‘pushback’ tactics to divert dinghies away from UK waters.
Darmanin demanded that Britain agree to a post-Brexit agreement with the EU in order to stop illegal migration. Jean Castex of France will write to Boris Johnson today to outline his demands.
France’s Europe minister Clement Beaune claimed that Britain was responsible for the current crisis after 27 migrants died trying to cross Channel waters in a small dinghy. He said there were fewer controls on illegal workers making the UK a more attractive destination.
Gerald Darmanin, French Interior Minister (pictured), ruled out joint Anglo–French coast patrols in northern France
He said, “We’re asking British people to modify their framework,”
“There exists an economic model for, at times, quasi-modern slavery, or at the very least, illegal work.
This attraction is likely to remain even if the British do not return to some number of checks on a more humane and more consistent labour market regulation.
Darmanin also blamed the crisis on the ‘attractiveness of the UK.
Jean Castex, French Premier (pictured) will today send Boris Johnson a letter containing his demands.
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, had written an open letter addressed to France regarding the crisis in migration.
Pictured: A group of more than 40 migrants react as they succeeded to get on an inflatable dinghy, to leave the coast of northern France and to cross the English Channel, near Wimereux, France
‘One of the engines of the English economic policy – not all of it, obviously – is to employ workers illegally,’ said the minister, who has previously described the UK as an ‘El Dorado’ for asylum seekers.
France will insist on a “balanced” post-Brexit deal between Britain, the European Union and illegal immigration.
While Mr Darmanin reiterated that he rejected the proposals of Home Secretary Priti Paltel for turning around Channel boats, he said France was ready to restart talks once Britain has stopped its “double talk”.
This year more than 26500 migrants crossed the Channel, an increase of three times the total for 2020.