Global Migration Curbs Recommended

Theresa May has called for a global clampdown on uncontrolled migration as she defends the right of UK and other countries to control their own border

17:20 20 September 2016

Prime Minister Theresa May has called for a global clampdown on “uncontrolled migration” saying that the migration crisis had been “exacerbated” by “unprecedented” numbers of economic migrants.

 

The UN estimates that 65.3 million people were either refugees, asylum seekers or internally displaced at the end of 2015.

 

Mrs May called for a greater distinction between refugees and people trying to enter a country for economic reasons.

 

She said that “controlled legal and safe migration” benefited the economy and that there was nothing wrong with “moving for a better life.” However, she said that “uncontrolled migration” does not benefit migrants or the countries involve. She added that it served to reduce popular support for refugees.

 

"We need to be clear that all countries have the right to control their borders and protect their citizens and be equally clear that countries have a duty to manage their borders, to reduce onward flows of illegal and uncontrolled migration," she said.