Brussels is asking Britain to provide additional funding to implement the Action Plan against migrants crossing the Channel in small boats to reach English shores. The request comes ahead of a possible agreement between the parties, which could be discussed at next week’s summit.
The new payment would be in addition to the £662 million London has pledged to give France to combat illegal crossings. According to English media, the request is included in a document that has been made public.
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The document is part of the Joint Declaration, drafted ahead of the November 20 summit, which aims to restart relations between Britain and the EU after Brexit. The opposition has called this additional contribution shameful, saying the government is making it in exchange for nothing.
So far this year, 23,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel. The news comes as Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares to negotiate with Brussels on agreements covering food trade, energy and youth mobility between Britain and EU countries.
Burnham has said he will set out options for Britain’s long-term relationship with the European Union. He has also said he would like the country to rejoin the EU during his lifetime. The Action Plan was launched by the EU in June, in cooperation with France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, with the aim of combating illegal migration.
Britain’s financial contribution remains part of the EU’s negotiating position. The London government has yet to officially say whether it will accept the request.
A government spokesperson said they do not comment on published documents or negotiations that are still under way. The November 20 summit is expected to clarify whether Britain will pay more than the £662 million pledged so far for France. British public opinion is highly critical, as the results of the funding are being questioned while thousands of migrants continue to arrive across the Channel.
