Starmer says he favours more ‘transactional’ approach to granting visas

The UK prime minister has said he is considering whether the British visas could be issued based on how well countries co-operate with the UK on issues such as taking back failed asylum seekers.

Sir Keir Starmer told reporters he favours a “much more transactional” approach to the issue, as the government admits the situation in the English Channel is “deteriorating.”

Meeting on the side-lines of the G7 summit in Canada, Sir Keir and the French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to “work closely” to tackle crossings, a No 10 spokesman said.

Downing Street added both leaders agreed that migration should be a key focus of their meetings during the president’s state visit to the UK in July.

Official figures show more than 1,500 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats last week, pushing the…