Teaming up with French can work
THE tragic drownings of 27 migrants off Calais on Wednesday has prompted fresh calls for action.
One proposal is to set up joint UK/French patrols aimed at saving lives and defeating the human smugglers. But is it feasible?
Operationally, I am confident that it is. I was director of ports and borders in Canada when 9/11 happened. We agreed a new arrangement between Canadian and US Border Agencies which gave officers powers to conduct cross-border operations.
Then, the issue was terrorism but the principle was the same.
These integrated teams worked to enhance security for the benefit of communities on both sides of the border.
A similar agreement could be struck between the UK and France.
The relevant agencies on both sides could establish a joint command structure which would deploy resources both at land and sea to intercept migrants seeking to cross the border illegally.
Joint assets, including surveillance technology, could track and trace the migrants, and joint teams could be deployed instantly to intercept them.
Any that did slip through the net could be returned instantly to France, where they can claim asylum if they so wish. Politically, it is much harder. Ever-increasing numbers of migrants are entering the EU. Those refused a permit to stay there simply remain without authority in the borderless Schengen zone.
Those who see an opportunity to get to the UK will take it, notwithstanding the dangers involved. This is fertile territory for the crime gangs.
In order to stop the boats, the French government will have to convince their electorate that it is in their interests to do so.
Time will tell if they really want to work with us on this.
If not, I fear that the smuggling gangs will only continue to profit – and more lives will be lost.