We’re treated like mugs over crossings
Like many, I have a great sympathy for the ‘boat people’ struggling across the Channel. We as a nation, I believe, have a basic instinct within us to help such individuals but there does come a moment when you start to think you are being taken for an economic ride and I feel that time has arrived.
Why is the Royal Navy being sent to patrol the English Channel?
What powers will they have not currently available to Border Force that will enable them to make a difference?
They can at best patrol outside French Territorial waters so, unless they can return migrants direct to French soil we are no better off and just wasting more taxpayers’ money offering a similar but upmarket taxi service, compared to Border Force.
Can our government explain, in simple words, why are those detained in the Channel, not put of the first ferry back to Calais? Which of our laws stops immediate return? If such a law exists why is it not repealed immediately and required legislation put in place? Should it exist then what the hell is going on!
As for claims of asylum, as I understand the situation, this should have been made at the first not last safe haven?
In these financially stretched Covid-19 days it would be interesting to know what the average cost is to us, as tax payers, for each of these arrivals per year?
The French are generally taking us for mugs, we give them millions and all we get is the equivalent of the customary shrug of the shoulders.
A steady flow of migrants across the channel must suit them, as it keeps numbers down in and around Calais. It does make you wonder, with the seemingly limited numbers coming daily, if some form of collaboration is going on in the background?
The opinion of many is that numbers crossing the channel would almost disappear if arrivals were sent straight back and their authorities would then have to act or be overwhelmed. Something positive and meaningful has to come from central government - and quickly - otherwise on January 1 as we leave the EU with potential road chaos we could be in for a very unhappy new year in and around Kent.
Mick Tedder