UK Minister of Defence Michael Fallon has defended Britain’s stance, that of not participating in migrant burden-sharing, by stating that the Royal Navy is assisting in a search and rescue operation involving migrants as we speak and therefore, there’s nothing selfish in the way Britain is acting.
He was replying to questions made by journalists to why Britain was acting in a selfish manner when it is refusing to take in migrants through burden-sharing.
“There’s nothing selfish about the Royal Navy when it is helping in various rescue missions involving migrants at sea,” he said.
Speaking during a joint news conference held at the AFM’s Air Wing section after both him and Mr Abela had a bilateral meeting, Mr Fallon said: “We are working as hard as anybody else to shape the forthcoming mission which goes further back to tackle the causes of migration and hit the trafficking gangs who are making money out of the misery we have been witnessing.”
Asked how confident he was on the fact that the UN Security Council resolution will be approved for the EU to intervene in Libya to help reduce the migrant crossings, he said it is not possible for the EU to contemplate any intervention without the resolution being approved. Mr Fellon said that Libya is on the brink of becoming a failed state and that everything is being done to try change that.
Mr Fallon said that both him and Mr Abela agreed that it is vital the EU adopts a more comprehensive approach towards the migrant crisis which goes beyond search and rescue efforts while also reducing the chances for people to go through such a perilous journey.
On his part, Minister Abela said that he hopes that the Libyan army will be part of the action the EU will take, adding that he also hoped the resolution will be approved by the UN’s security council.
Minister Abela said that Malta and Britain have a long military history and today’s bilateral meeting was a symbol of both the two countries commitment to continue strengthening relations.
On his part, Mr Fallon said he is delighted to have visited Malta for the first time, especially when his father served here as an army doctor. He said that both Mr Abela and him work side by side at various high-profile meetings. He said he appreciates the fact that Malta allows Royal Navy boats to stop by Malta from time to time. He also thanked Malta for playing a big role in evacuating UK nationals from war-torn Libya.
Mr Fallon will be given a tour of Valletta by Minister Abela.
Earlier
Mr Fallon landed at Luqa’s AFM Air Wing section at 15:55 by means of a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter. He was greeted by Dr Abela.
Mr Fallon was invited by Mr Abela during a Defence Council meeting held recently. It so happens that Mr Fallon’s father had served in Malta as an army doctor.
Britain’s defence advisor covering Malta and who is based in Rome, Commander Neil Thompson, accompanied Mr Fallon on his visit.