I have questioned the government on the absence of any real deterrent against illegal small boats crossings. This matter is a complete travesty which undermines the credible security of our own borders.
The country has lost a billion pounds in failed agreements with the French to resolve this issue. It is the height of irresponsibility at a time when money is so scarce, our armed forces are underfunded, and our welfare bill is so bloated that we should be giving money away to other G7 nations. The so called “one in, one out” scheme devised by the last Labour government has only dealt with an insignificant fraction of the overall crossings.
France is a safe country. It should not be necessary for anyone to make a life-threatening journey across the Channel in an overcrowded boat. The government must take drastic action to undermine the business model of people smugglers.
