LABOUR backbencher Mark Lazarowicz slammed the government’s “shameful” refusal yesterday to support future search-and-rescue missions to save desperate migrants trying to reach Europe from North Africa.

An Italian mission currently operating in the Mediterranean is being wound up, with a more limited European Union border security operation being launched on November 1.

Earlier this month the government sparked outrage when it claimed search-and-rescue operations might encourage more illegal immigrants to attempt the crossing.