Patel, Minister for doing Priti much nothing
I really thought Home Secretary Priti Patel was the one to do something about illegal migration, but I now feel that she is, as your article last week stated, a ‘Minister for hot air’ – issuing a great many words on the subject yet doing almost nothing. Frankly, she can’t go quickly enough.
S. Atkinson, Newcastle
Rather than wasting taxpayers’ money paying France to do something about the illegal migrant problem, I have an alternative suggestion.
For every illegal migrant who makes it to our shores, regardless of whether they stay, we ‘fine’ Europe the equivalent of at least ten years’ full benefits for that person by knocking it off the amount we pay as an exit fee following Brexit.
Illegal migration is costing the British taxpayer a fortune and is unfair on those who follow the rules and apply through the proper channels.
Name and address supplied
Surely if the French made the purchase and/or import of inflatables and dinghies subject to registration or licensing, it would go a long way to stopping their use by people-traffickers.
J. Lofting, Northamptonshire
Priti Patel’s efforts to stop illegal migration rely on something that doesn’t exist: French and EU goodwill. They are punishing us for leaving their precious tyranny, and making things as difficult as they can for the UK.
David Hutton, Crewe
Migration is nothing new. In the 17th and 18th Centuries, many thousands of English and Irish people migrated to America. They were escaping a wretched life, just like the poor migrants arriving in dinghies today.
B. Peeters, Brussels
How about this for an idea? Raise a flotilla of small boats, as they did for Dunkirk, to take the migrants back to the beaches of France.
David White, Basingstoke, Hampshire
Anyone arriving on the South Coast in an open boat from France is attempting illegal entry to the UK from a safe country. Positively encouraging illegal entrants with accommodation and meals at the cost of taxpayers is unacceptable.
D. Shaw, London
You report that many migrants claim they are children to get better care. If they do so, we should treat them as such: childsized meals, in bed by 9pm, no benefits and so on.
R. Thomas, West Sussex
We have a moral duty to take in these people. They are fleeing famine and war and need our help. In my opinion, the Government isn’t doing enough.
P. Patterson, Edinburgh