Former International Development Secretary Sir Andrew Mitchell has issued a stark warning that unless a major intervention is launched to transform North Africa, hundreds of millions of people could soon be fleeing the region in search of a better life. He compares the necessary action to a new “Marshall Plan” on the scale of the post-WWII reconstruction of Europe, urging that immediate changes are needed to address the root causes of migration.
In his new book, Sir Andrew argues that “illegal migration has undeniably spiralled out of control,” and that the public is right to be angry at the perceived loss of control over the UK’s borders. Reflecting on the summer’s poor election result for the Conservatives, he points to the high cost of housing asylum seekers, which has led many to believe that the UK’s generosity is being exploited, as reported by the Express.
“The eye-watering costs of housing asylum seekers, together with a perceived corresponding decline in public services – such as the length of time it took to get a GP appointment – fuelled the not unreasonable view that UK generosity was being meted out unchecked, and that the British people were being taken for fools,” Sir Andrew writes.
While the UK has expressed concern over small boat crossings – with over 11,500 people arriving this way this year – Sir Andrew warns that short-term solutions like sending asylum seekers to Rwanda or cracking down on people-smuggling gangs will not solve the problem. He stresses the need for a strategic approach that addresses the issue at its source, before migrants cross the Mediterranean or reach Calais. “What is really needed is a massive ‘Marshall Plan’ for North Africa and the Sahel,” he writes, proposing a “carrot and stick” plan involving the UK, the EU, and other nations with a vested interest in the region. Without such an effort, he believes, “we will be waiting for hundreds of millions of feet to walk towards us in search of a better life.”
In his book, A Positive Contribution, Sir Andrew also addresses the wider issues driving migration, including poverty, war, and climate change. He explains that the link between instability and migration is inescapable, pointing out how the toxic mix of insecurity and environmental collapse leaves people with little hope for a better life at home, forcing them to seek refuge elsewhere.
One of Sir Andrew’s proposals is to allow asylum seekers to apply for asylum before arriving in the UK. He argues this would significantly reduce housing and welfare costs and stop people from making dangerous journeys in search of safety. It would also help dismantle the criminal gangs that exploit migrants. “If you want to starve out supply, take away the demand,” he says.
Lastly, Sir Andrew passionately defends foreign aid, which has been drastically cut in recent years. He writes: “Aid budgets tend to be thought of as handouts, but international development is something else entirely: its ultimate goal is to eliminate the reasons people seek a better life on distant shores.” According to him, the goal is to build safer, more prosperous societies abroad, so people don’t feel compelled to migrate in the first place.
Don’t Miss These:
- ITV This Morning Goes Wild as Britain’s Got Talent Star Drops Trousers Live on TV
- BBC Breakfast’s Sally Nugent Shocks Viewers by Halting Show with Important Message and Heartfelt Thanks
- Stacey Solomon ‘Devastated’ Over Bafta Loss: ‘I’m Not Taking It Well,’ She Tells Fans
- Experts Warn Prince Harry’s Fallout Could Tarnish King Charles III’s Legacy
- Ranvir Singh Opens Up About ‘Scary’ Hospital Visit After Emergency Surgery
