Ed Davey has called for participation in an EU migration pact as part of efforts to address small boat crossings in the Channel.
The Liberal Democrats say joining the scheme would target the criminal networks behind the crossings. The party argues that taking part would “destroy the business model” of gangs arranging journeys across the Channel.
The proposal is being framed by the party as a way to reduce the incentive and capacity for organised groups to facilitate small boat crossings. The source material does not set out further details of the scheme or how participation would operate in practice.
Small boat crossings remain a central political issue, with parties continuing to set out competing approaches to migration and border control. In this case, the Liberal Democrats are linking the issue directly to co-operation with the European Union through a migration pact.
The latest stated position is that Davey and the Liberal Democrats are urging involvement in the EU scheme as a measure to tackle the gangs organising Channel crossings.
