Illegal migration is now a global emergency, declares Sunak at G7 as he hails international task-force tackling gangs

RISHI Sunak declared “illegal migration is now a global emergency” as he hailed a new international task-force to tackle smuggling gangs last night.

Speaking at the close of the G7 summit, the PM claimed it was the first time the group had secured agreement to work together to reform the global “governance of migration”.

It opens the door to reforming the UN Refugee Convention and to potentially working with allies to adjust the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Tory election manifesto stated they would “work with countries to rewrite asylum treaties to make them fit for the challenges we face”.

After the two-day summit in Puglia, Southern Italy, the world leaders agreed they would “ensure a governance of migration that is increasingly effective and sustainable within the framework of our international obligations, relevant treaties and conventions.”

And following a push by Britain and Italy — the G7 is launching a “Coalition to Prevent and Counter the Smuggling of Migrants” to tackle the issue’s root cause and “enhance border management”.

Right-wing Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, known for her hard-line stance on migration, has been eager to increase investment and funding for African nations as a means of reducing pressure on Europe.

Last night, Mr Sunak said: “It’s very clear that the conversation in Europe has changed on migration, suggesting it is time reassign what counts as a safe country.

“This is the first time a G7 summit has had a dedicated discussion on migration, which says something, and that is something I have pushed on alongside Giorgia Meloni.”

He added “the discussion today was incredibly productive” suggesting that intelligence sharing would be the start to global cooperation on border management.

But the Prime Minister warned: “Obviously these things do not happen over night. Where the UK has led, others will follow.”

Security and defence concerns were front and centre at the summit, with other discussions focusing on accusations that Beijing helped expand Russia’s armed forces.

Washington claims they co-produced drones and tools for ballisitc missiles for the invasion of Ukraine.

The G7 said it was concerned about wider security threats in Asia, where China’s confrontational tactics have increased fears of conflict.