Britain has never been at the forefront of search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean so its refusal to help prevent migrants from drowning marks no real change, according to human rights organisations.

The UK has decided not to support any future search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean, claiming they simply encourage more people to attempt the dangerous sea crossing, The Guardian newspaper reported yesterday.

In the past, the country has deployed some staff and equipment in support of operations run by the EU border agency Frontex.

Read more on Times of Malta.

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