UK warned ‘hundreds of millions’ more migrants will head to Britain – ‘this will stop it’
Former UK International Development Secretary Sir Andrew Mitchell has issued a strong warning that unless major global action is taken, hundreds of millions of people from North Africa could start migrating in search of better lives.
He says the only way to stop this is by launching a huge development plan something as big as the “Marshall Plan,” which was used to rebuild Europe after World War Two.
According to him, the root causes of migration such as poverty, war, and climate change need to be solved in the countries where they begin, rather than just trying to stop people once they’re already on their way to Europe or the UK.
In a new book titled A Positive Contribution, published by the think tank Bright Blue, Sir Andrew writes that illegal migration is clearly out of control, and many people in the UK are rightfully angry about it. He says many voters were frustrated during the last election, especially with the high costs of housing asylum seekers and the pressure this puts on public services, like long waits to see a doctor. He argues that people feel like their kindness is being taken advantage of and that politicians are ignoring their concerns.
Sir Andrew criticizes current government strategies like sending asylum seekers to Rwanda or focusing only on breaking up people-smuggling gangs. He believes these actions won’t solve the deeper problems. Instead, he suggests a big international effort is needed—one that involves the UK, the EU, and other interested countries working together to improve life in North Africa and nearby regions. If nothing is done, he warns that huge numbers of people will keep coming to the UK and Europe.
He also says that desperate people should be allowed to apply for asylum from their home countries, instead of having to risk dangerous journeys across the sea. This, he believes, would save the UK money, reduce illegal migration, and weaken the power of human traffickers.
Sir Andrew adds that many people are being forced to leave their countries because of poverty, war, climate change, and instability. He notes that countries like Syria and Afghanistan are key examples of places where people no longer feel safe or able to survive, so they move.
He also defends the idea of foreign aid, even though the UK has reduced its budget for it. He argues that aid shouldn’t be seen as just giving away money, but as a way to make other countries safer and stronger so people won’t feel the need to migrate. If people can live decent lives where they are, they won’t be forced to leave everything behind.
