UK to pay France up to $892 million in deal to reduce migrant crossings

I’ll let ChatGPT give you the answer The sharp rise in irregular migration to Europe in 2015–2016—often called the European migrant crisis—wasn’t caused by a single factor. It was a convergence of conflicts, instability, and policy dynamics that all peaked at once. 1. War in Syria (main driver) The biggest factor was the Syrian Civil War. By 2015, millions of Syrians had been displaced: * Neighbouring countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan were overwhelmed * Living conditions for refugees worsened (limited work, education, aid cuts) * Many people decided to move onward to Europe rather than remain in long-term limbo 2. Other conflicts and instability Syria wasn’t the only source: * Afghanistan (ongoing conflict and Taliban resurgence) * Iraq (violence linked to ISIS) * Eritrea (authoritarian rule and forced conscription) * Parts of Sub-Saharan Africa (poverty, conflict, and weak governance) So the flow was multi-origin, not just Middle Eastern. 3. Smuggling networks and routes opening People didn’t just spontaneously move—routes became more accessible: * Smuggling networks across Libya and the Mediterranean expanded * The “Balkan route” through Greece into central Europe became widely used * Social media spread information about routes, costs, and success rates 4. European policy signals (pull factors) Some policy decisions made Europe seem more reachable: * Angela Merkel signalled that Germany would accept large numbers of asylum seekers (“Wir schaffen das”) * Some border controls temporarily weakened or were inconsistently enforced * The Schengen Area made onward movement easier once inside This didn’t cause the crisis, but it influenced where people chose to go. 5. Sudden “tipping point” effect Migration often builds quietly, then spikes: * Years of displacement (since ~2011) reached a breaking point around 2015 * Refugee camps became unsustainable * Once large groups started moving, others followed (network effect) 6. Key flashpoints in 2015 Events accelerated the situation: * Huge arrivals on Greek islands like Lesbos * Overland movement through the Balkans into countries like Hungary and Austria * The widely publicised death of Alan Kurdi shifted public attention and political responses ⸻ Bottom line The spike happened because: * Push factors (war, persecution, collapse of living conditions) intensified * Routes and information made movement more feasible * Policy signals and geography shaped where people went * And everything peaked at the same time If you want, I can  break down how that compares to migration levels today (they’re different in important ways), or  how much of it was actually “illegal” vs asylum-seeking.

Firstly, you've completely ignored what I've pointed out about us not being Australia. Secondly, my whole original point was that you suggested it was obvious and why are we 'dithering', and now you're saying essentially that it's not *literally* impossible. If your original comment had been 'I think the government should consider the Australian model, as much of an imposition as it would be' then I wouldn't have said anything. And thirdly, since you said 'here in Australia' then that either means you're an Australian who might not be as acquainted with the problem here in the UK, or you're literally an immigrant from the UK which would be interestingly ironic.

As opposed to the much higher risk and violation of international law that comes with preventing people from leaving the country or forcing them back the other way? "Allow" isn't accurate since it implies they condone it. They do not condone it. They simply have no actual method to prevent it, because how do you legally stop people leaving your country when you want them gone in the first place?

"No comment". These are people we're talking about. At least have the balls to defend your moral bankruptcy.