The Home Secretary’s pledge to crack down on people who enter or attempt to enter the United Kingdom has been left in tatters after figures show that so far this month 336 people have illegally entered the United Kingdom via the English Channel, perhaps more worrying these are just the known official figures.
Priti Patel’s vowed in the autumn that the illegal journeys would be virtually eliminated by now, however, with the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, many gangs of illegal immigrant smugglers are taking advantage of the situation.
Border Force officials are now being supplied with PPE after photos published revealed that British Officials did not have any gloves or masks on to protect them from disease, in other photographs we have seen people who are attempting to enter the UK illegal wearing facemasks.
Home Office figures show that so far this month at least 336 men, women and children have made the treacherous trip from northern France.
This number included 72 caught on Easter Sunday after several small-boat crossings. More are expected as the weather improves.
There is growing frustration in Whitehall that despite being given millions of pounds to help tackle the border issue, the French authorities are not doing enough to stop the crossings especially since some French authorities have allegedly been diverted from the Border to other jobs during the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the start of the year, 802 migrants have arrived on the beaches of Kent and Sussex in flimsy vessels. Another 246 reached the UK in December, including 60 on Christmas Day.
Home Secretary Patel insists that tackling the crisis is a ‘top priority’ however MPs and ex-border chiefs warned last night she has failed to ‘get a grip’, she said at the time the crossings would be an ‘infrequent phenomenon’ by spring.
Natalie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover and Deal, said: “We really need to see the Home Office make the French honour their promise to stop people crossing the Channel in this way.
“Anyone found breaking into Britain should be immediately returned to France.”
Tony Smith, ex-head of the Border Force, said: “The Government has not got a grip. For the migrants and people-smugglers, success breeds success. They see people getting into the UK… and it fuels the supply chain.
“We have got to say we will no longer tolerate this.”
The Home Secretary said last night: “I will not stand by whilst malicious criminals’ prey on the vulnerable. We will enforce the law and seek justice. Protecting our border is one of my top priorities.
“That is why I am working with my French counterpart and have reaffirmed our commitment and dedication to tackling this exploitative crime.”
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Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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