Calais Migrants Crisis: Theresa May Announces £7m Security Boost

Calais Migrants Crisis: Theresa May Announces £7m Security Boost

Britain has agreed to provide an extra £7 million towards efforts to tackle the Calais migrant crisis, Theresa May has announced.

The money will be used to step up security at the Channel Tunnel railhead in Coquelles.

Earlier this week it was reported that police were being called to the terminal, which is close to Calais, on a nightly basis to deal with incursions by hundreds of migrants.

The Home Secretary disclosed the extra funding following a meeting between British and French officials to discuss the continuing disruption.

She said: "We've had a very constructive meeting. The French and UK governments are working in close collaboration and cooperation on this issue which affects us both.

"We are both clear that we need to ensure we are dealing with the terrible criminal gangs, the people smugglers, who are making a profit out of the human misery of many people."

Mrs May said French authorities have committed extra resources to security at Calais.

Asked why British taxpayers should be paying for a problem taking place on French soil, she said: "We have juxtaposed controls at the border. We work together on dealing with this particular problem."

The Home Secretary said she was "very aware" of the impact of the crisis on lorry drivers, those affected by delays and the people of Kent.

An excerpt from a communique following today's conference said: "The UK and France agree it is vital we deal with the continuous migration of people from countries of origin. Both countries have agreed to work together on returning migrants to their countries of origin, particularly in West Africa."

Earlier this month the Home Secretary announced that a new secure zone will be created at Calais for UK-bound lorries in response to an unprecedented surge in migrants attempting to cross the Channel.

The area will cost around two million euros (£1.4 million) and is expected to be complete in the autumn.

Last autumn the Government pledged £12m to help France tackle the problem of illegal immigrants attempting to cross the Channel.

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