Britain should not foot the bill for France’s failed migration policies
SIR – Yet again the British taxpayer will foot the bill for security at Calais (“£44m to keep border at Calais”, (report, January 18).
Surely it’s about time the French, and other European governments, woke up to the fact that if they properly policed their own borders, and stopped illegal immigrants from crossing Europe, the problem at the Channel would be reduced. Robert Pardoe
Lymington, Hampshire
SIR – The Government’s latest border agreement with the French implies that Britain is partly responsible for the immigrants arriving in Calais.
It is not.
To get to Calais, an immigrant first has to enter France through one of its other borders. This is easy because France is part of Europe’s Schengen Area – a collection of countries that allow identification-free travel across their shared borders. Britain is not a member of this.
As long as the French remain in the European Union they should pay for the consequences – not Britain. Captain Brian Meadley
Axminster, Devon
SIR – Theresa May is following her standard approach with foreign leaders: give them everything they ask for.
Let’s hope she never gets to meet Kim Jong-un. Ken Worthy
Esher, Surrey
SIR – The sum of £44 million might sound huge, but it needs to be viewed in the context of other government spending – £44 million funds the NHS for about three hours. Paul Richmond
Godalming, Surrey
SIR – If the English Channel did not exist, we would have a 500-mile land border with France, with hundreds of road crossings.
The cost of strengthening and policing that border would probably be at least 10 times as much as assisting our neighbours in strengthening a few ports in Calais. Simon Green
Maidstone, Kent
SIR – Your leader (January 18) refers to how France has been both our staunchest ally and oldest foe.
Though I wouldn’t disagree with the latter, our troops only ever cross the Channel to rescue French defensive collapses.
Despite this, centuries of English involvement in shaping the towns and landscape of France are systematically swept under the carpet.
That France is using Brexit as an opportunity to inflict damage on us should come as no surprise. Dr David Cottam
Montauriol, Lot-et-garonne, France
SIR – Perhaps President Macron should reflect on another museum in the town of Bayeux: the D-day Museum. Tim Banks
Knutsford, Cheshire