UK to hold talks with France over migrant Channel crossings
2 min read
The British government is set to hold talks with France after 64 people attempted to enter the UK via the English Channel.
Home secretary Priti Patel is set to raise the issue with her French counterpart after five boats were intercepted off the Kent coast, before another landed on a Sussex beach.
A Home Office spokesman said those crossing the Channel in this way were taking a “huge risk” and warned the criminal gangs who perpetuate this activity “do not care about loss of life”.
“We continue to monitor the ongoing situation and are working closely at all levels with French authorities on the issue."
"The home secretary will raise this issue with her French counterpart in the coming days."
The news came as PM Boris Johnson warned migrants attempting to enter the UK illegally they would be sent back.
He said: "The UK should not be regarded as a place where you could automatically come and break the law by seeking to arrive illegally."
"Clearly the most important thing is to stop them coming across from France so we are working very closely with the French authorities.
“The point I would just make to people thinking of making this journey – one, it is very hazardous, you may think the weather looks great but it’s a very, very dangerous thing to do.
“The second thing is: we will send you back. If you come illegally, you are an illegal migrant and I’m afraid the law will treat you as such.”
The Home Office confirmed 65 people had arrived illegally in the UK in small boats and had been returned to European countries this year.
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