THE Prime Minister has been urged to “put humanity first” as he hosts his first European summit later this week.
Fresh from his return to Washington for Nato’s 75th birthday jamboree, Sir Keir Starmer will play host to the European Political Community (EPC) at Blenheim Palace on Thursday — for the first time joined by Nato, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe.
Migration is expected to top the agenda, with almost 2,000 people dying in the Mediterranean last year in an attempt to reach Europe, while four more died in the channel last week seeking refuge in Britain.
Ahead of the summit, Sir Keir said “we cannot be spectators,” adding: “We must do more and go further, not just for the courageous Ukrainians on the front lines, or those being trafficked from country to country, but so our future generations look back with pride at what our continent achieved together.
“I said I would change the way the UK engages with our European partners, working collaboratively to drive forward progress on these generational challenges, and that work starts at the EPC meeting on Thursday.”
Migrants’ Rights Network CEO, Fizza Qureshi however remained unconvinced that there had been any “change,” telling the Star: “The EPC summit could offer a real opportunity to facilitate co-operation on helping migrants, including refugees.
“Instead, it seems the new Prime Minister continues to miss the mark by focusing on smuggling networks, which are a symptom of European governments’ failures to create safe routes for people seeking safety and a new life across the continent.
“We call for leaders to move away from migration policies based on deterrence, and instead dismantle the racist, violent Fortress Europe.
“It’s time to put safety and humanity first.”
