Dame Andrea Jenkyns has questioned why Britain is still shelling out cash to the French to the tune of £476 million over three years when “they’re not helping us stop the boats”. France and the UK have previously agreed to a multi-year funding arrangement to combat migrant boats coming across the Channel.
For this year Britain will pay around £124 million, increasing to £168 million for 2024/25 and £184 million for 2025/26.
But speaking on GB News, Conservative MP Dame Jenkyns criticised the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt for continuing to allow money to go our Gallic neighbours.
Talking to presenter Martin Daubney, Dame Jenkyns said: “Why the heck are we still paying money to France? They’re not helping us stop the boats.
“I would stop that immediately, and why are we putting people in hotels who get here illegally? I mean, I’m sure we’d club billions back from this. And so I think that would be a good start.”
Dame Jenkyns, who Deputy Chairwoman of the European Research Group, said she believed money would be better spent in the UK.
She added: “We need to get money back and put the our country first, and the first thing I would do would be ditch these net zero policies. I personally think it’s a vanity project.
“I don’t mind looking at different sources of energy for energy security Martin, but I do believe in letting the markets choose, letting the public choose and that freedom of choice and the announcement, what is it, 390,000,000 on green projects in the budget. I was very dismayed.”
“I think we need to drastically reduce international aid. Now I say reduce not get rid of, because if there’s some catastrophe globally, you’ve got to be prepared to chip in and help. So I think we need to drastically reduce international aid.”
The Dame’s observations come as Britain announced more funding to return Libyan migrants to their home country.
The Home Office has pledged up to £1 million as part of a deal amid record arrivals of migrants travelling to Europe from north Africa. Illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson announced the funding package after a visit to the country earlier this week.
Mr Tomlinson said: “Tackling the global migration crisis and smashing the evil gangs who drive it are shared challenges that must be met with a shared response. The work I have seen first-hand here in Libya and across north Africa is absolutely critical, but we know there is more that must be done.
“The funding and support we are providing will mean Libya is better equipped to stop people risking their lives to reach Europe. It also demonstrates our commitment to crack down on people smugglers operating not just in the English Channel, but across the whole world.”
