Home   Dover   News   Article

Home Secretary Sajid Javid says migrants will not make it to the UK from France in trip to Dover

The Home Secretary has said migrants trying to enter the UK from France will not succeed.

Sajid Javid visited Dover today to see what can be done to help stop people making the trip across the Channel.

He has previously declared the number of migrants arriving on the coast a 'major incident'.

Sajid Javid (6292086)
Sajid Javid (6292086)

Speaking in the town today, he said: "People shouldn't be taking this very dangerous journey and if they do, we need to send a message that they won't succeed.

"You're coming from France, which is a safe country, and in almost every case you are claiming asylum and if you are a real genuine asylum seeker you could have done that in a safe country.

"We need to send a strong message that these gangs that are preying on you and giving you a false prospectus. They won't succeed in taking on this terribly dangerous journey and we've got to be doing everything we can.

"If you are a genuine asylum seeker then why have you not sought asylum in the first safe country you arrived in. France is not a country where anyone would argue is not safe."

The most recent group were found in Greatstone on Monday, with the number who have made the trip since November reaching around 220.

The Home Secretary said those who do make it to the UK will be processed in the normal way, but two Border Forces cutters will be redeployed in the Channel to stop them from making it.

Mr Javid continued: "This is one of the most treacherous waters, it's a very dangerous journey and we need to send a clear message to people that if they take this journey they take their life into their hands.

"But I think we also need to feel comfortable we are doing everything we can to protect human life. The cutters, as well as protecting life have an important role in protecting our borders and I think they will make a big difference.

Border Force cutters have been redeployed to help with the 'crisis'. Picture: @Kent_999s
Border Force cutters have been redeployed to help with the 'crisis'. Picture: @Kent_999s

"When we sent out the cutters to the Med there was an understanding for all of the countries involved that if one of the countries need those assests back for own territory that would always take priority.

"The numbers in Dover has been significant, as far as we know 539 migrants attempted to cross the channel last year, 80% of those were in the last three months."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said Europe should work together to deal with the issue.

He said: "If somebody is in a dinghy in the Channel and their life is at risk then we have a duty as human beings to help them and I think we have to look at the number of refugees around Europe as an issue that requires attention."

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More