The Home Secretary Priti Patel has been criticised for talking tough but failing to stop the mass influx of illegal migrants crossing into the UK from France via the English Channel.
Border Force officers are worried about catching coronavirus when dealing with those who make it to Britain.
More than 850 migrants have crossed to the UK during lockdown, data gathered by the PA news agency shows.
During periods of calm weather, refugees are piling into inflatable boats, up to 50 per vessel, and making the terrifying and dangerous crossing.
Last weekend saw what is believed to be a new single-day record, with 145 migrants making it to the UK on VE Day.
Minister for immigration compliance Chris Philp said: “We are all working night and day to dismantle and arrest the criminal gangs who trade in people smuggling.
“But the recent increase in crossings is totally unacceptable and it is sickening that smugglers are willing to put people’s lives at risk, including children.
“This is why we are stepping up action to stop the crossings, going after the criminals perpetrating these heinous crimes and prosecuting them for their criminal activity.”
Despite his comments, the government have faced fierce criticism from those on all side on the debate.
On the 11th of May, the Home Secretary wrote on Twitter saying: “Extensive work continues with Border Force, @NCA_UK & colleagues in France on illegal Channel crossings. Criminal investigations of perpetrators facilitating illegal migration are underway and we are working with our Ministerial counterparts in France.”
The Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage responded saying: “Time to stop the French authorities walking all over us.”
Time to stop the French authorities walking all over us. https://t.co/8LUmPyLqKE
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) May 12, 2020
Bella Sankey, director of Detention Action, said: “Lockdown has inevitably increased the desperation of those fleeing war and persecution so it is little wonder Channel crossings have spiked.
“Priti Patel’s tough talk sounds like a broken record on repeat, her flawed strategy is making a bad situation worse. Now is the time for some stateswomanship and leadership.”
Stephen Hale, chief executive at Refugee Action, said: “The Government needs to stop talking tough and start acting smart and create more routes for people to claim protection in the UK.
“This includes a long-term commitment to resettle 10,000 refugees every year.”
Clare Moseley, head of humanitarian charity Care4Calais said: “We waste millions of pounds and risk people’s lives trying to intercept boats at sea, when the only way to put a real stop to these crossings is to create a safe and legal route for asylum claims to be fairly heard.”
The whole team at UNN have been covering the issue of illegal immigration into the UK via the English Channel for some time and with the lockdown, in Britain, we have seen some of the largest numbers ever attempting to enter the nation in one day. This is why with your support we are planning a documentary on this most serious of issues, the UNN team will be heading down to the English Channel to get a truthful perspective of just what is going on, please consider supporting us.
You can read more about our ‘The Silent Invasion?’ project by clicking below:
[give_form id=”1772″ show_title=”false” show_goal=”false” show_content=”below” display_style=”modal”]APPEAL: UNN needs your help to EXPOSE the truth about the English Channel situation
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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