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French chiefs consider scrapping vital agreement that could see rise in illegal immigrants coming to Dover

By: Victoria Chessum

Published: 00:00, 04 November 2014

Updated: 15:59, 04 November 2014

Dover may become inundated with illegal immigrants if the French scrap a vital agreement which could compromise security checks.

The agreement, called Le Touquet Treaty was signed by the UK and France back in 2003.

It allows this country’s borders to be based in the Port of Calais where security checks take place before passengers board ferries to Dover.

The Port of Calais

But this could all change, according to national reports, that suggest French chiefs are considering scrapping the agreement.

A source told the Mirror newspaper that a break down in communication between the Home Office and its French counterparts is the reason behind it.

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In recent months Calais has seen a surge in immigrants setting up camp from Africa and Asia.

Scores of illegal immigrants were caught after trying to storm a P&O ferry bound for Dover

If the treaty is scrapped,the UK Border could be relocated back to Dover, meaning that checks could become lax in Calais, the place where thousands of immigrants are planning their ‘great escape’ across the Channel.

It was only last week that French Mayor, Natacha Bouchart said that Britain has a fictitious ‘El Dorado’ appeal,

She said:“They know from people who have already got here [the UK] who say they can easily find work.

French mayor, Natacha Bouchart, says the UK has an 'El Dorado' appeal

"They say there are no ID papers and the paperwork is not checked. There has been no message that it is not like that at all.”

MP Charlie Elphicke has pointed the finger at Ukip and the French mayor for purposefully wanting the borders back in Dover, which they were before the agreement was passed.

He said: “Everyone knows that the mayor of Calais and Ukip want to dismantle our border controls at Calais and bring them back to Dover.

MP of Dover and Deal, Charlie Elphicke

“That would be a disaster for Dover, as we all remember how things were some 10-15 years ago.

“I have made a strong case to government ministers to keep our border controls as Calais and that our borders are as safe and secure as can be.”

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