MOD accused of using RAF as ‘quick fix’ over migrants
THE Ministry of Defence has been accused of using the RAF as a “quick fix” to the migrant crisis, as new research revealed the majority of the British public backed the Navy being stationed in the Channel.
In an exclusive Yougov poll for The Daily Telegraph, 71 per cent of British adults said they were in support of deploying naval vessels and sailors to patrol the border to prevent illegal crossings, while 69 per cent said that it was acceptable that RAF aircraft and personnel were conducting surveillance to assist the Border Force.
Of the 1,600 people surveyed earlier this week, during a period that has seen a record number of migrant crossings, three quarters said they felt illegal entry to the UK via the Channel was a serious issue.
More than 900 asylum seekers have arrived since Tuesday last week, with more having made the crossing yesterday, for the 10th day in a row. A spokesman for Yougov said: “While RAF search and rescue surveillance aircraft are already in the air, the Royal Navy has yet to deploy vessels to the English Channel. Whether it does or not, it is clear that the majority of the British public would support the continued use of both branches of the military to secure the border.”
It comes as Lord West, the former first sea lord, accused the MOD of having chosen a “quick fix” in its decision to deploy aircraft, as opposed to ships, to tackle the ongoing crisis after military intervention was requested by the Home Office. On Wednesday the MOD confirmed that a P-8 Poseidon and Shadow R1 would provide support to Border Force “over the coming weeks subject to weather conditions and the Border Force’s requirements”.
However Lord West said that while he recognised the requirement for airborne surveillance, “you need the boats as well”.
“The MOD seem to have used the RAF as a quick fix where they send the aircraft up and say ‘that’s us doing lots’,” he told The Daily Telegraph. “They think it’s their get out of jail free card but if anyone comes to us they come by water.”
He urged the MOD not to forget “that we are an island” as he called on the Navy to be “coordinating” the response to the crisis.
An MOD spokesman said: “All capabilities provided have been in response to requests made by the Border Force. Defence continues to work with the Home Office to provide appropriate support, as needed.”