UK refuses to assist in migrant rescues

The UK government’s refusal to support future search and rescue missions to save desperate immigrants trying to reach Europe has been condemned by campaigners.

The Italian mission in the Mediterranean, Mare Nostrum, is being wound up after rescuing tens of thousands of people making the treacherous journey from North Africa, with a more limited EU border security operation being launched on November 1.

Earlier this month, the British government set out its opposition to search and rescue operations, warning that they might encourage more illegal immigrants to attempt the crossing.