Tory call for migrant action

THE OVERWHELMING majority of 10,000 Tory members and supporters support a ban on illegal immigrants from claiming asylum.

The poll shows that 93.2 per cent back this tough stance.

Conducted by Conservative Progress, the survey was carried out in the wake of a summer of problems across the

English Channel where hundreds of migrants have been smuggled into the UK from

France by human traffickers. While Home Secretary Priti Patel has promised a change in the law and held talks with the French to stop the flow of illegal immigrants, the poll showed that more than two thirds blame the Government for the problem.

But this was higher than those who hold

NO IFS OR BUTS: Natalie Elphicke human traffickers responsible – 62.5 per cent.

“However, three quarters point the finger at the French authorities for failing to tackle the problem with allegations that they have escorted boat loads of migrants across the Channel.

Less than half – 41.2 per cent – blame the migrants themselves for making the crossings.

Dover Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke said: “The number of illegal entrants breaking into Britain is unacceptable.

“More action is needed to stop boats leaving French shores in the first place and turn them back to France.

“Anyone who breaks into Britain through illegal routes should be returned back to other countries – no ifs or buts.”

The anger among Conservatives over the issue is underlined by the fact that the survey has attracted record numbers of respondents for Conservative Progress.

Despite the emergency measures brought in by Ms Patel, including appointing a former Royal Marine Dan O’mahoney as a small boats commander to spearhead the effort, 96.5 per cent think she should do more.

Among the other measures demanded is 96.3 per cent support for speeding up deportations and 98.6 per cent wanting stronger laws to prosecute human traffickers.

The survey shows that 91.5 per cent believe the UK does its best to help genuine refugees.

Jack Rydeheard, editor for Conservative Progress, said: “This Government’s voters clearly feel frustrated.”