Speaking to reporters on his way to Paris for a summit with
French President Emmanuel Macron, Sunak said his immediate
priority was working with France to strengthen cooperation to
stop the small migrant boats crossing the Channel into Britain.
But, he said part of the longer-term solution would have to be a
conversation with the EU about an arrangement to allow Britain
to return migrants to EU countries - a little-used right it
previously had, but gave up when it left the bloc.
"Over time, having those conversations with the EU is definitely
a part of it," Sunak said when asked what it would take to
secure a so-called returns agreement.
"That will take a bit longer time to have those conversations,
relative to the things we need to do now."
Shorter term, Sunak indicated he was open to providing more
funding to France to help stop boats from leaving French shores,
but stressed that any investment must deliver value for money
and could only ever be one part of a bigger plan.
He said he hoped to raise the prospect of an EU returns deal
with Macron when they met later in the day, seeking to
capitalise on improved relations following his recent agreement
with the EU to resolve trade issues around Northern Ireland.
"I think now post the Windsor Framework being agreed my hope is
that that opens up other areas of constructive engagement and
dialogue and cooperation with the EU," Sunak said.
(Reporting by Alistair Smout, writing by William James; Editing
by Kate Holton)
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