France’s ‘likely next President’ promises to finally stop the boats | Politics | News
Britain will be allowed to push small boats carrying migrants back into French waters under plans outlined by the man many believe will replace Emmanuel Macron as president. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally party, also condemned Sir Keir Starmer’s one-on-one deal, describing it as a “smokescreen”. He also believes Nigel Farage will lead Reform UK to victory in the next general election and so the two men should be prepared to govern neighboring countries together.
Mr. Bardella argues that he wants to completely overhaul France’s immigration policy to tackle migrations. This includes moving asylum processes to embassies and consulates in different countries, “systematic deportation of foreign criminals and criminals”, and giving priority to French citizens in social housing and “aid”. The politician believes that France will be turned into “the least attractive country in Europe in terms of mass immigration” and the border with Calais will be completely closed.
It is understood that French police have been using pushback overseas for several years.
People have been reported dead or missing in the ocean after collisions between small boats and police cruisers.
Mr. Bardella told Telegram He said he would allow the UK Border Force to carry out “pushbacks” in the English Channel.
According to the newspaper, this tactic was investigated by British governments but was not allowed by France.
The Presidency leader added that he supported “French-British patrols” in the Channel but insisted they would not ultimately be necessary.
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer said European leaders must reconsider how a major human rights treaty is interpreted in law to tackle illegal immigration and stop voters turning to “forces that seek to divide us”.
The Prime Minister and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen have made a joint appeal to other leaders on the continent to agree a “modernisation” of how the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is interpreted in their countries’ laws.
The government is reportedly expected to bring forward its own legislation to change the way the Article 8 right to family life is interpreted in UK courts, and is also considering reviewing the threshold for Article 3 rights.
