Jump directly to the content
PRITI TOUGH

Priti Patel signals fresh crackdown after spike in migrants crossing Channel & vows to tackle ‘vexatious’ asylum claims

HOME Secretary Priti Patel has threatened to mount a fresh crackdown on migrants crossing the English Channel and "vexatious" asylum claims.

Her vow comes as the numbers attempting the perilous crossing from France during the coronavirus crisis continue to rise.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

 There has been a spike in migrants trying to cross the English Channel this year
There has been a spike in migrants trying to cross the English Channel this yearCredit: Steve Finn
 Priti Patel has vowed a fresh crackdown on migrants crossing the English Channel
Priti Patel has vowed a fresh crackdown on migrants crossing the English ChannelCredit: AFP

More than 1,000 migrants in small boats have been intercepted by Border Force vessels as they attempted to reach the UK this year.

April has been the busiest month for crossings on record, with at least 476 migrants intercepted.

Ms Patel and the French government have been working on a plan to allow Britain to return illegal migrants to France.

But she said "too many are getting through" despite patrols being beefed up on both sides of the Channel.

SPIKE IN CROSSINGS

Ms Patel told the Home Affairs Select Committee: "We have seen greater dispersal across the French coast and we are seeing this now across the Belgian coast.

"What has happened in France, all credit to the French actually who like we are, despite lockdown and despite all the pressures with coronavirus, are deploying all sorts of activity and resources basically in trying to deter.

"So there is now 24/7 coverage on the beaches of northern France. We are using drones, we are using more detections, we are using ANPR.

"The fact of the matter is, not withstanding these French patrols, these extra patrols on French beaches and using specialist vehicles for detection, too many are getting through."

CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW

Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.

To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .

Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - .

In October, Ms Patel had promised that illegal crossings would be "infrequent" by spring this year.

But there has been a spike in attempted crossings by tiny boats in recent weeks.

The Home Office blames criminal gangs who are "using false promises to take advantage of desperate situations and illegally smuggle people into the UK".

On Monday, eight small boats bringing around 90 migrants towards the Kent coast were intercepted in Border Force and French authorities.

On Saturday, another 35 migrants were intercepted at sea by UK Border Force vessels.

And last Friday, 76 migrants were intercepted and taken to Dover

Ms Patel told the Home Affairs Select Committee: "There is a lot of work taking place. We have put forward some measures.

"We are doing this directly through our embassy in Paris as well but I am doing it directly with my counterpart in France around returns and returns at sea which is exactly the point you are making and referring to.

"We are also going to go further than that as well, very much looking at, and this is a UK policy area not just with the Home Office but the Ministry of Justice, but looking at some of the vexatious methods that are being used.

"The vexatious claims around illegal immigration and asylum claims that come forward with many of these illegal migrant activities too."

 A Border Force vessel carries a group of people thought to be migrants as it arrives in Dover, Kent
A Border Force vessel carries a group of people thought to be migrants as it arrives in Dover, KentCredit: PA:Press Association

Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal

BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.

But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?

The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers. The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.

We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.

The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM. No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here: .

Dominic Raab warns that the UK's hopes of lifting lockdown could be hit by second wave of infection similar to Germany
LOGO_machibet_200x200

Machibet

star star star star star 4.9/

6,000.000+downloads/Free/Bengali/Version2.3.4

777 BDT IPL 2025 Sports First Deposit Bonus

  • 5,000 BDT Daily Reload Bonus
  • Boost Your First Deposit with a 300 BDT Bonus
  • 100% First Deposit Refund Bonus up to 5,000BDT
bKash bank OK Wallet upay
PLAY NOW
Free Bonus
Download For
android