Speaking after a European Parliament vote on a new Regulation on the surveillance of external sea borders by Frontex, GUE/NGL MEP Cornelia Ernst said: "I am disappointed that MEPs approved this text as it fails to effectively ban the pushing back of asylum seekers.

"Although this Regulation gives us a clear definition of the principle of non-refoulement, there are too many loopholes that mean member states can avoid adhering to this principle. This Regulation is a way of enshrining refoulement by the back door."

Ernst continued: "The right to life is the most important thing which any human being has. No right is of greater importance than that. In the last 20 years between 17,000 and 20,000 people have died at the EU's external borders. Member states have a responsibility to them."

Final vote result: 528 in favour; 46 against; and 88 abstentions.

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:

Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
David Lundy +32 470 85 05 09
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
European United Left / Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group

www.guengl.eu