A record number of illegal immigrants made it to UK shores over the weekend, as the total number this year reaches new highs. More than 380 migrants tried to cross the English Channel, as the Border Force intercepted 180 migrants in 15 boats as they made their way to the Kent coast.
A further 200 immigrants were stopped on the French coast – Vive la France!
All of those seized were taken to Dover to be processed and medically assessed, before efforts to restore them to their country of origin began. Chances are that they will be plonked in a hotel somewhere in the Midlands before going missing. Isn’t it strange how difficult it is to get statistics of how many illegal immigrants are returned to the continent?
the Home Office blames Organised criminal gangs for facilitating illegal inmigration
As the immigrants headed to our shores, Home Secretary Priti Patel headed to France to get some cheap wine and have a quick chat with French authorities.
She said “said: “I have been in France today seeing first-hand the significant work undertaken on that side of The Channel to address the unacceptably high levels of small boats, alongside the efforts of Border Force and the National Crime Agency in the UK”.
Priti continued “This simply cannot be allowed to go on. Today, I have signed an agreement with the French to create a joint intelligence cell which will crack down on the gangs behind this vile people-smuggling operation and impressed on my French counterpart the need to stop these illegal crossings for the benefit of both our countries. This is the start of a new operational approach with the newly appointed French Interior Minister.”
On closer examination, the joint intelligence cell comprises of 6 people on the UK side and 6 people on the French side. Their job is to gain intelligence on the people smuggling gangs. With only 12 people in total, it is hardly a ‘force to be reckoned with’. The smugglers must be shaking in their boots!
It is not clear if the new agreement includes measures to return migrants picked up in UK waters to France. Quelle surprise!
Bridget Chapman, spokeswoman for Kent Refugee Action Network, said: “This issue is clearly not going to go away and we call on the Government to work with their French counterparts to establish ways for people to be able to have safe and legal passage.” There are ways already Bridget, the best way is obtaining a legal passport and then buying a return ferry ticket.
