The European Parliament will not support new proposals for migrant processing centres outside the EU, and will continue to push for reform of the Dublin Regulation on asylum and respect for human rights, the chair of the civil liberties, justice and home affairs committee said today.
Claude Moraes MEP said:
“The proposals agreed by EU leaders contain some good points, like greater investment in Africa and more support for Turkey and north African countries, but we cannot support plans for migrant prisons outside the EU - these are inhumane and do not deal with the fundamental root causes of the crisis.
“When we come to scrutinise these new proposed measures, as we will do as co-legislators on migration policy, we will seek to amend them so more emphasis is placed on the speedy reform of the Common European Asylum System, including the key Dublin reform, and work towards an effective and humane solution.
“We will also fully and critically examine the other legislative, budgetary and political aspects of the European Council conclusions. The European Parliament has a key role to play, and will have to approve any new laws.”
Claude Moraes MEP added:
“It is important for Britain to continue close cooperation with the EU on migration. This key issue will be decisive for global solidarity and regional stability in partner countries. The UK needs to be involved in this global challenge and with its expertise in development cooperation, humanitarian aid and diplomacy.
“Inside the EU or out, the UK has a responsibility to refugees and must meet its obligations, as well as working with the EU and UN to tackle the root causes of conflict, climate change and poverty that force millions of people to flee their homes and families and travel thousands of miles across the world in search of a better, safer life.”