Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for the UK to join the EU's new Migration and Asylum Pact to combat small boat crossings in the Channel. He argues that participation would enable the UK to return asylum seekers to their first EU entry point, disrupting the operations of smuggling gangs.
The Labour Party has noted a decline in small boat crossings this year, attributing some success to collaborative efforts with European nations. However, the UK government faces challenges in joining the pact, including the need for unanimous approval from EU member states and potential legislative changes.
Watch for the UK government's response to the Liberal Democrats' proposal, as it may spark debates on immigration policy and EU relations. Key developments include potential legislative changes and the impact of EU member states' approval on the UK's asylum framework.