Border officers could strike on dinghies pushback plan

BORDER Force officers could strike over Priti Patel’s “morally reprehensible” plans to turn back migrant-filled dinghies in the Channel, a union warns.

The Home Office faces legal action over the proposals, which campaigners fear will risk lives.

Some 28,300 migrants crossed the Dover Strait on small boats last year – more than triple the 2020 figure. The Public and

‘REPREHENSIBLE’ Priti Patel

Commercial Services Union and charity Care4Calais have applied for a judicial review of the Home Secretary’s policy. PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka claimed the tactic “contravenes international law and is morally reprehensible”, adding: “We will not rule out industrial action.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “We continue to test safe and legal options to stop small boats making this dangerous and unnecessary journey.”