More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A further 74 migrants have been found off the Kent coast during several attempted crossings today.
Border Force officials were called to six incidents in the Channel on the day that Immigration Minister Chris Philp met with his French counterpart for talks on the issue.
Four small boats were seen in the channel this morning as the immigration crisis continues.
This morning Sky News reported that its journalists, also on a vessel in the sea, had witnessed several boats heading towards the Kent coast.
One video showed a boat with 13 men claiming to be from Sudan. The migrants were brought to Dover.
Another boat load of people reportedly cheered "UK" as they came into view of the media commissioned vessel.
Mr Philp's meeting comes as the total number of migrants to successfully cross the channel reaches over 4,000,
"In order to stop these boats we have to make the route completely unviable"
Thursday's total - 235 - broke the record for most migrants intercepted in a day.
“Today I met with the French government to discuss the urgent issue of small boats illegally crossing the channel.
“We agreed that in order to stop these boats we have to make the route completely unviable and discussed a new comprehensive joint operational plan to do just that.
"Our discussion covered all elements required to make this route unviable.
"We will be working together in the coming days to further develop and agree this new plan.
"Our new Channel Threat Commander, Dan O’Mahoney, will be returning to France for further discussions next week.
“I was also pleased that following the appointment of our Channel Threat Commander, the French will be reciprocating by creating their own new national commander on this critical issue who will be appointed very soon.
“These were positive talks, and both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to making the route completely unviable.”
