UK blames France as cross-Channel migrant ‘crisis’ intensifies
The British government’s inability to stem the tide of migrant crossings across the English Channel is fostering deep frustration with some ministers squarely blaming France for the “crisis”.
A total of 151 migrants crossed the Channel yesterday (August 08), bringing the total since January 01 to 4,100.
Responding to the latest crossings, immigration minister, Chris Philp, said the government wants to render the route across the English Channel “completely unviable” so migrants “have no incentive to come to northern France or attempt the crossing in the first place”.
Philp claimed there are “return flights” planned in the coming days to send the newly-arrived migrants back to France.
Philp is set to meet his French counterpart in Paris on Tuesday (August 11) to discuss stronger deterrent measures, including “interceptions and returns”.
The Sunday Telegraph is reporting that France is “demanding” £30 million to cover the costs of deterring migrants from crossing the English Channel in order to reach Britain.
The paper is also reporting that the British government is looking into deploying Royal Navy boats, drones and even spy planes as early as this week in order to get on top of the problem.
More broadly, the Home Office has appointed a “clandestine Channel threat commander” to coordinate the anti-migration and anti-smuggling effort.
The new role is filled by former Royal Marine, Dan O’Mahoney, who is reportedly a maritime security expert.
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To underscore the political sensitivity of this issue – and its potential to severely strain relations with France – a Tory MP whose constituents are directly affected by the illegal migration is urging the government to undertake tougher action.
Natalie Elphicke, the MP for Dover (where many migrants make landfall), is calling for migrants to be returned to France irrespective of whether they are picked up in British or French waters.
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