Three migrants seized as dinghy found on beach
BRITAIN’S poor border controls were exposed at the weekend as three suspected illegal immigrants landed on a beach in a small inflatable dinghy.
Politicians said the incident, near Deal in Kent, highlighted the growing problem of people traffickers evading security to smuggle in migrants.
Calling for a radical security shake-up, Charlie Elphicke, MP for Dover and Deal, said: “We must act now to jail these criminal people traffickers and end their evil trade of modern slavery. This is why I have been calling for a new Dover Patrol led by the Royal Marines to protect our borders.”
Ukip defence spokesman Mike Hookem, an MEP, said the situation showed border controls were “farcical”.
He said: “We’re an island nation with a long coastline which needs a strong, wellmanned border force.
“We need a reversal in the priorities of this government which continues to spend billions on unaudited foreign aid rather than on desperately needed investment in defence and security.”
In the latest incident police were called to a road on the remote seafront near Walmer Castle, Kent, on Saturday morning after three men were spotted by passers-by.
Officers detained the men and handed them over to immigration officers. A dinghy was found on the stoney beach close to 16th century Walmer Castle, official residence of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports, the historic guardians of the coast.
Both Sir Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother have fulfilled the ceremonial role.
It is thought that the men had crossed the Channel from a remote beach in France.
Officials believe they may have transferred from a larger boat off shore before landing at Walmer.
Locals spoke of their dismay at the growing problem.
John Varnham, 54, from Deal, was walking his dog when he found the boat.
He said: “It was only when I got to the beach that I saw the dinghy and realised what had happened. Life jackets and life belts were thrown across the beach.
“The dinghy would have been cramped for three people. It had an outboard motor and was about 8ft long.
“There was a torch, a drinks bottle and a petrol can.”
Last month, five Iranians aged 18 to 44, landed by dinghy at Winchelsea in East Sussex. In May, 18 Albanians were saved off the Kent coast having paid £5,000 each to escape from Calais.