We need a bolder strategy to halt illegal Channel crossings
The record spike in illegal Channel crossings has highlighted a growing and complex problem and one which Britain cannot solve alone.
The current system is not working and we must be bolder in designing improved, long-term operational and strategic solutions.
I first called for deployment of military assets to assist HM Border Force a week ago, recognising this period of fine weather and calm seas was likely to lead to record numbers of overcrowded dinghies departing French shores and testing Home Office maritime resources beyond capacity.
Some may dislike the idea of military involvement. I listened with interest to the views of an anonymous Royal Navy voice publicly criticising the proposal. Candid military input into operational and policy planning is not only welcome but critical when forming a wise defence and security policy. But this policy debate should be conducted behind closed doors.
Let’s not forget our valiant Armed Forces don’t just watch our backs and keep the country safe. They also provide a critical resilience which is capable of stepping in to support other Government departments in their hour of need. Now their versatile skills could be tasked to the English Channel. Military support is not simply about tasking more vessels to patrol our territorial waters, but helping improve the picture of where to send the limited Border Force boats and naval assets so they can intercept any dinghy well before it even reaches UK waters. Military drones, maritime patrol aircraft and our Type 45 ships (armed with radar that can identify a floating rubber ring 30 miles away) can all play a part. Though important, bolstering our Channel maritime security will not solve this problem.
With greater maritime situational awareness in place, Britain could pursue three key initiatives, which I hope Chris Philp, the immigration minister, might consider raising when meeting his French counterparts today. First, increasing Anglo-french maritime cooperation is key. France’s own border patrols (partly funded by the UK) intercept and return about 50 per cent of dinghies that attempt to cross the Channel. Rather than answer French calls for £30million of additional funding to do a better job, British interceptions should also be allowed to escort illegal vessels back to the French port of origin. Bilateral cooperation is imperative. The formation of the Anglo-french Joint Intelligence Cell is a welcome step forward. Only by coordinating efforts can we begin to uphold international law. France is a manifestly safe country and, in line with the EU’S Dublin regulation, asylum seekers should be processed in France.
Second, we need a concerted international effort to break the complex criminal gangs that make millions of pounds from human trafficking, using sophisticated networks that stretch right across the continent and take advantage of those in desperate situations.
Third, until we better support war-torn failed states, understandably there will continue to be tens of thousands of people – individuals and families – fleeing their homes in pursuit of a better life in Europe.
Despite promises of support, the West’s collective resolve to strengthen overseas governance and security has declined. Where we’ve stepped back or offered suboptimal support in the Middle East and North Africa, the vacuum is quickly filled by other state and non-state actors, including criminal gangs, pursing very different agendas, and exploiting the misery they create for their own advantage.
Temporarily tasking our Armed Forces to the Channel is the right call.
But long term, Britain must do what it traditionally does best and lead. Until the West recommits to improving governance and security in failed states, their challenges will continue to be our challenges.
Tobias Ellwood MP is chairman of the defence select committee
‘Tasking our Armed Forces is the right call. But long term, Britain must do what it does best and lead’