EU leaders have called for new legislation to speed up the return of asylum seekers as a baby dies in a tragic boat sinking in the English Channel. The incident off the coast of France resulted in 65 people being rescued and taken to safety, with searches ongoing for any missing individuals. This latest tragedy brings the death toll of migrants attempting to cross the Channel this year to at least 52. The number of migrants arriving in the UK via boats has significantly increased this year, with over 26,000 migrants landing on UK shores since January 1.
The French and UK governments have been working to stop the flow of asylum seekers and migrants crossing the Channel, with France’s Prime Minister promising a stricter immigration policy. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to address the influx of small boats crossing from France, after scrapping plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.
European Union leaders are calling for urgent new legislation to increase and facilitate returns from the bloc, emphasizing the need for determined action at all levels. This includes considering new ways to prevent and counter irregular migration, potentially including establishing return centres outside the EU. Italy has already opened two such centres in Albania. The tragic incident in the English Channel highlights the ongoing challenges of migration in Europe and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the issue.
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