Germany faces 'national emergency' on migration - urgent calls to restrict freedom of movement

Leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union, Friedrich Merz - the party of Angela Merkel and the main opposition party in Germany - has called for Scholz to declare a 'national emergency.'

Merz is questioning Germany's ability to deport migrants like the Islamic State Solingen attacker who entered the EU via Bulgaria.

He argues that the EU's Dublin regulation - under which migrants are allowed to stay in the country where they first arrive in the bloc - has failed.

He said that Europe can't effectively enforce the Dublin rules and therefore his country must declare a 'national emergency' so national law can be used to turn away illegal migrants at the border.

“If it cannot be adhered to, then I am convinced that we have the right to turn people back at Germany’s external borders,” Merz said.

Scholz hit back at the calls however, he said: "We abide by European Union law."

He told public broadcaster ZDF, adding that the right for individuals to claim asylum "remains intact."

It comes as Keir Starmer arrived in Germany to meet with Scholz to increase relations between Britain and the EU.

Sir Keir Starmer will attempt to seize a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset our relationship with Europe” during two days of meetings in Berlin and Paris.

The Prime Minister is in Berlin for talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz as he hopes to “turn a corner on Brexit”, with plans for a new treaty with Germany aiming to boost business and increase joint action on illegal migration.

It is expected he will tell Scholz he is focused on making sure the UK moves past Brexit and rebuilds relationships with European partners.

After Germany, Sir Keir will travel to Paris for the Paralympics opening ceremony on Wednesday evening, before a breakfast meeting with French business leaders on Thursday morning, and a summit with President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.

It is expected Sir Keir will say: “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset our relationship with Europe and strive for genuine, ambitious partnerships that deliver for the British people.

“We must turn a corner on Brexit and fix the broken relationships left behind by the previous government.

That work started at the European Political Community (EPC) meeting last month and I am determined to continue it, which is why I am visiting Germany and France this week.

“Strengthening our relationship with these countries is crucial, not only in tackling the global problem of illegal migration, but also in boosting economic growth across the continent and crucially in the UK – one of the key missions of my Government.”