From the Telegraph:
France on Monday night said it would not pull out of its border arrangements with the UK even in the event of Britain voting to leave the European Union.
David Cameron argued that voting for a Brexit would result in migrant camps such as “the Jungle” in Calais moving to southern England.
The Prime Minister said that a “huge number” of asylum seekers could come to Britain “overnight” because France would pull out of current border arrangements in the aftermath of an EU exit.
He said that a vote to leave would give French politicians the chance to “tear up” the deal, which lets UK border guards check passports at Calais.
But on Monday night French sources said that they would not renege on the 2003 deal, contradicting Mr Cameron’s claims.
Tory eurosceptics accused the Prime Minister of “scaremongering” and pointed to comments by Bernard Cazeneuve, the French interior minister, who has said that ending the border arrangements would result in a “humanitarian disaster”.
Speaking in October, Mr Cazeneuve said: “Calling for the border with the English to be opened is not a responsible solution.
“It would send a signal to people smugglers and would lead migrants to flow to Calais in far greater numbers. A humanitarian disaster would ensue. It is a foolhardy path, and one the government will not pursue.”
A source at France’s Interior Ministry confirmed that his statement remains the official position and that there are “no plans” to reform the agreement.
Speaking in October, Mr Cazeneuve said: “Calling for the border with the English to be opened is not a responsible solution.
“It would send a signal to people smugglers and would lead migrants to flow to Calais in far greater numbers. A humanitarian disaster would ensue. It is a foolhardy path, and one the government will not pursue.”
A source at France’s Interior Ministry confirmed that his statement remains the official position and that there are “no plans” to reform the agreement.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.