Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what actions they are taking to ensure that the withdrawal of search and rescue services for migrants in the Mediterranean is well publicised and well understood.

We are working with EU partners and with international organisations, including UNHCR, on information campaigns in North and East Africa as part of broader efforts under the EU’s ‘Task Force Mediterranean’. This includes sharing our expertise in this area and assisting work with diaspora communities to dissuade migrants from risking dangerous Mediterranean and Saharan crossings and to counter the narrative of criminal facilitators. The Government has also continued to make clear to EU partners our view that the withdrawal of Mare Nostrum must be accompanied by an information campaign, aimed at ensuring migrants in North Africa are aware of the end of this operation. We have recently reminded the Italian authorities of our view on this matter.