France turned down a British offer of patrolling their beaches in order to keep migrants from crossing the Channel. This was due to concerns about their sovereignty.
This comes just as Priti Patel, Home Secretary of India has said that talks are ongoing regarding possible British-French joint sea patrols on the Channel to help stop and return migrants.
There were 4,019 migrants who crossed the Channel this month. This is more than the 3,879 that September. The record total for this year stands at 23,761.
When asked about joint patrols at the House of Commons Ms Patel replied: “We discuss all options, whether naval patrols or alternative patrols.
“It is not my place to speak on the responsibilities of other Government departments, but work has been done with counterparts as well as with other Government departments.
France rejected the British proposal to monitor their beaches to prevent migrants crossing the Channel, citing concerns that it could violate their sovereignty.
Priti Patel, Home Secretary (pictured), confirmed that talks regarding possible British-French joint sea patrols on the Channel are ongoing
These new arrivals increase the number of people who have reached the UK in this month’s total to 4,019, surpassing the September record of 3,879. Record-breaking 23761 people have arrived in the UK this year.
Ms. Patel said that France had been offered by the UK. Border Force and Police officers were to support ‘overwhelmed gendarmes’ on Europe’s coast, but they were told that such a plan would be a breach of French sovereignty.
It comes after migrants were yesterday bussed 500 miles to Scotland for processing after arriving on beaches in Kent as the system struggles under a record number of crossings.
According to a pressure group, dozens of people have made the eight-hour trip to Dungavel, South Lanarkshire immigration detention center in Strathaven in the past few weeks.
Although migrants were previously processed at Home Office temporary holding facilities located an hour to two minutes from Dover by the Home Office, record numbers have forced officials into using facilities farther away.
Yesterday, senior Tories also warned that failing to deal with the massive influx of migrants across the English Channel could encourage the creation of an alternative UKIP-style political party.
Some Conservative leaders are increasingly concerned that failure to address the matter could lead to the rise of a right-wing political force, which could result in the Tories losing their majority at next year’s general election.
After three boats filled with people arrived at the Dungeness shoreline, migrants huddle on Saturday.
Labour Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds has accused Ms Patel of ’empty rhetoric’ over her failure to tackle the problem
His attack was refuted by the Home Secretary who said that the Torys had a long-term solution to immigration.
This problem is not going to be easy and will require a lot of time. There are no quick fixes. According to Ms Patel, the only way out is to reform our asylum system in its entirety.
Johnson directed a Whitehall review of Channel crossings. Johnson is said be “exasperated” by his Government’s inability to reduce migrants travelling to Europe from small boats.
The review is being led by Stephen Barclay (ex-Brexit secretary), who was also the Chancellor of Lancaster.
It will seek to find solutions to the crisis and make sure all departments – not only the Home Office – are contributing.
Following a week that saw record numbers of migrants crossing the Channel, the review was conducted. Around 24,000 made this journey in the year. This figure almost doubles the 2020 arrivals.
When he was interviewed by the 1922 Committee of Tory MPs, the PM answered questions about the topic.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Cabinet minister, is reported to have confronted Mr Johnson during the meeting. He said that he had challenged him and told the PM, “Migration was written in our manifesto. It was part of our DNA.” We won’t get forgiveness if they don’t.
According to reports, his remarks were met with banging desks as a gesture of support by backbencher colleagues.
Only one of three boats, each of which was estimated to be crammed with 65 people, landed yesterday in Kent.
According to a poll conducted for Sunday Telegraph, 77% of Tory voters think the government’s approach towards migrant crossings has been too soft. This figure was 55% for all people.
The survey, conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies, also found 54 per cent of voters disapproved of Mr Johnson’s handling of the issue while 21 per cent approved.
Tory MPs look forward to next May’s local elections as a possibility litmus-test.
An ex-minister told the newspaper, “If we don’t deliver on migration it will be really detrimental to us.” These people are truly fed up.