Sir Keir Starmer has pledged £84million for Africa and the Middle East in a bid to curb migration levels.
During his speech at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Starmer called for greater co-operation to “smash the gangs” smuggling people across borders.
He also said the “root causes” driving people from their homes – such as conflict, climate change and extreme poverty – needed to be addressed.
The Prime Minister said the money will fund projects across Africa and the Middle East, aiming to help with job opportunities and access to education.
It includes funding for projects to improve education and employment opportunities, as well as efforts to build resilience to shocks such as conflict and climate change, in the hope that this will persuade people not to leave their homes and travel to Europe.
He explained: “This is a vital part of gripping the migration crisis and shows how we [the UK] are going to do business on the world stage.
“We are facing up to the huge problems beyond our shores, because these problems echo at home.
“The effects play out on our streets and in a dangerous world we serve no one and solve nothing by turning inward.”
Sir Keir holding a press conference at Blenheim PalaceGettyThe money is set to be rolled out over the next three years.
With that in mind, do you think Starmer can stop illegal migration with his £84m foreign aid deal? Have your say.