EC to allow UK to escape asylum quota system
The European Commission said on Tuesday that the UK, Ireland and Denmark will not have to participate in the quota system that is currently being designed to resettle EU refugees.
“"The UK and Ireland will only be bound if they so choose" said the European Commission’s spokeswoman Natasha Bertaud on Tuesday.
She also added that "Denmark will not be bound by the rules and laws adopted under the European Agenda on Migration".
This announcement follows the UK’s opposition to resettle migrant made public on Monday.
Read more: Eastern Europe warns Cameron on migrant rights
We do not believe that a mandatory system of resettlement is the answer
“The UK has a proud history of offering asylum to those who need it most but we do not believe that a mandatory system of resettlement is the answer," the Home Office said in a statement.
"We will oppose any EU Commission proposals to introduce a non-voluntary quota."
The UK sent the Royal Navy's HMS Bulwark, three helicopters and two other ships in order to aid rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea, following the drowning of several boats coming from North Africa, but pointed out it would only “save lives” and not give asylum to migrants.
EU Member States granted protection to more than 185 000 asylum seekers in 2014 http://t.co/HnmDd4nuL9 #migrationEU pic.twitter.com/6nfvY8h3NM
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) May 12, 2015
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