Keir Starmer warned EU will ‘play hardball’ over migrant returns deal

Sir Keir Starmer has been warned the European Union will “play hardball” in any negotiations on a migrant returns deal.

The Labour chief this week unveiled plans to sort out the small boats disaster together with a possible settlement with Brussels.

Such a deal could contain the UK taking a quota of asylum seekers who arrive within the bloc in alternate for the power to return individuals who cross the Channel.

Professor Anand Menon, director of the UK in a Changing Europe assume tank, stated it’s “inconceivable” the EU would “just agree to help us” and would “demand something in return”.

He informed Andrew Marr on LBC: “I don’t know what sort of quota it might involve, but yes, I think if you negotiate with the EU on anything whether its trade or immigration you will find that they will demand something in return for any concessions.

“So I feel it’s inconceivable that they are going to simply agree to assist us notably while you take a look at the figures as a result of per capita final 12 months nations like France and Germany have been getting extra asylum seekers in than we’re.

“So they don’t feel any particular sympathy for us and I think as they always do will play hardball in any negotiation.”

It comes as an EU diplomat scoffed at Sir Keir’s plan for a bespoke return cope with the 27-nation bloc, which is coping with its personal inner rows over migration.

They informed The Times: “The EU’s asylum system is broken, internal negotiations have now dragged on for more than seven years without an end in sight.

“There is absolutely no question of helping the UK until we have put our own house in order.

“Starmer is deluded if he thinks that European governments, who are under much more pressure on asylum and migration than Britain, are going to come to his rescue.”

Meanwhile, the Tories have seized upon the suggestion the Labour chief could settle for a migrant quota from Brussels.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claimed the proposals may lead to 100,000 EU migrants coming to the UK yearly.

And Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated the Labour chief would let the UK grow to be a “dumping ground” for Europe’s migrants.

But shadow dwelling secretary Yvette Cooper this morning stated the Conservatives have been “talking garbage” about Labour’s method.

She informed LBC: “Unfortunately this is just Rishi Sunak making things up because his plan isn’t working to tackle the Tory boats chaos.”

Ms Cooper added that formally becoming a member of the EU quota scheme wouldn’t be a part of the plan as a result of the UK shouldn’t be a member state.