Government will NOT opt in to EU scheme to relocate migrants across Europe with quota system

THE GOVERNMENT has confirmed it will not opt in to an EU scheme which would relocate migrants around Europe using a quota system.

Ministers formally said today that the UK has chosen not to opt in to the scheme due to concerns over the "financial burdens" the EU could impose.

Theresa May had made it clear previously that she did not want the UK to be a part of the 'Dublin VI' agreements, which would also impose fines up to to £210,000 per migrant if the country didn't take in the numbers required of them.

Home Office minister, Robert Goodwill, said in a statement today that the UK would continue to operate according to a previous agreement.

It says that migrants must apply for asylum in the first EU country they enter.

Mr Goodwill said: "The Government's view is that decisions on asylum systems were best taken at national level.

"The UK has long-standing reservations about such relocation schemes.

"Asylum seekers should claim asylum in the first safe country they enter and not be moved around the EU using allocation quotas."

He added that ministers wanted to be able to look at EU rules on a case by case basis to maximise our security and "enhance our ability to control immigration".

The UK has taken in 750 migrants from the Calais camps in France after the so-called Jungle was demolished earlier this year.

But there are concerns from councils about whether they can cope with the influx, and are struggling to find school places for some of the kids.

Only 103 councils have volunteered to help, meaning they may not be prepared for as many new arrivals as they previously thought.