French ‘playing politics with migrant lives’

PRESSURE was growing on the French government last night to prevent the migrant crisis from spiralling further out of control.

The Home Office yesterday revealed 853 had crossed the Channel on Wednesday – a new daily record.

Officials also said French authorities prevented a further 975 from reaching the UK between Tuesday and Thursday.

But a former head of Border Force, Tony Smith, accused Paris of “playing politics with people’s lives” by refusing to accept migrants caught making the crossing being returned.

prevented

More than 21,000 have made the journey to the UK so far this year – more than double the total for the whole of 2020.

Mr Smith said: “France could easily accept returns but they refuse to do so.

“Things will only get worse on both sides of the Channel if they don’t work with us on this. They are playing politics with people’s lives.”

Three migrants have died this week after attempting to cross the Channel.

Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke agreed deaths could be prevented with help from France.

She said: “Month after month lives are being lost in the English

Accusation…Tony Smith

Channel. This is not just tragic, it is wholly avoidable if the French stepped up and stopped boats leaving in the first place.” The Home Office added: “We welcome France’s commitment to work with us to prevent 100 per cent of crossings but it is vital they go further and faster to achieve this.”

A new shelter, which has been set up in Calais by the French government to give 300 migrants food and shelter, was branded as “madness” by the town’s mayor after fears it could convince more to make the journey to Britain.