British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for regular and sustained discussions with the European Union on matters related to the Schengen area following the recent surge of irregular migrants crossing from Morocco into Spain.
Burnham said he had discussed the situation with Spain’s prime minister and stated that, according to Spanish authorities, 98 percent of the migrants who entered Spain during the crisis had been returned to Morocco.
The British leader stressed that although the United Kingdom is not a member of the Schengen Area and maintains its own independent border controls, developments affecting Schengen have a direct impact on migration management and London’s broader relationship with the European Union.
Meanwhile, Italy has temporarily suspended visa-free travel arrangements with Spain under the Schengen framework in response to the migration situation in Ceuta.
Finland’s foreign minister has also expressed support for Italy’s proposal to suspend Spain’s participation in the Schengen passport-free travel area.
The latest developments highlight growing concern among European governments over irregular migration and the potential implications for border management, regional cooperation and the future of Europe’s free movement system.
