Priti Patel signs new migrant deal with Albania to slash Channel crossings

PRITI Patel has struck a deal to speed up the removal of Albanians who cross the Channel illegally.

The Home Secretary agreed a rapid turnaround on Tuesday with Bledi Cuci, her counterpart in the southern European country.

And last night sources said they hoped it could begin taking place in days.

On Monday a record 1,295 people arrived in small boats with about 60 per cent coming from Albania.

Cops from the country will be flown to Kent to help authorities with vital information and processing.

Ms Patel said: “This abuse of our system cannot go on.”

She added: “Large numbers of Albanians are being sold lies by ruthless people smugglers and vicious organised crime gangs.”

The Home Office says Albania is a safe and prosperous country and many nationals “are travelling through multiple countries to make the journey to the UK” before making “spurious asylum claims when they arrive”.

Fewer than 1,000 Albanian offenders have been removed following an agreement struck last year.