The Home Secretary has said she is determined to stop illegal gangs of people smugglers bringing vulnerable people and children across The Channel.

Priti Patel made the comments after she visited Dover today.

Speaking exclusively to KentOnline, she said the work of people on the frontline was of great significance to people in Kent - particularly in a week which has seen so many migrants picked up by UK Border Force.

She said: "It is a determination shared by those operating on the frontline who I have visited in Dover today. Together, we have been looking at the work already underway and the next steps that need to be taken.

"This is work that is of huge significance to Kent residents, who have seen events unfolding on their doorsteps and it is an international effort.

"I have been working closely with the French to make this happen and progress has been made.

"To put it simply, the French want this problem to end as much as we do and we now have round the clock coverage on the northern French beaches.

"I will do everything I can to stop these boats."

"More than 1,100 migrants were arrested in France in the first quarter of the year - three times more than last year.

The Home Secretary added how in the UK the National Crime Agency and its partners were working to dismantling criminal gangs who trade in people smuggling.

She added: "More investigations are underway and the criminals perpetrating these heinous crimes should be under no illusion - we will catch and prosecute them.

"But despite all of this ongoing work, smugglers continue to gamble with lives and boats are still reaching UK shores."

The Tory minister added the UK was backing a move for more forces to be deployed on the French coast and said they will "share more intelligence to root out the criminals behind the crossings".

She said: "I am absolutely determined to get this right. I understand the concerns of Kent residents, who have seen desperate men, women and children putting themselves in grave danger to cross the Channel.

"You do not want this to continue and neither do I. Our mission is ongoing and evolving, and we will explore all options. I will do everything I can to stop these boats.

"If new tactics are necessary, we will deploy them. And if gangs continue to endanger lives, we will bring them to justice."

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