THE Government is dismissing claims from the Conservatives that it has failed to stop illegal immigrants entering Kent from northern France.

It is reported that hundreds of people have gathered at a makeshift camp near the site of the Sangatte refugee centre which was shut down in 2002.

David Davis, the Shadow Home Secretary, insisted it signalled the Government had not got a grip on illegal immigration. The Home Office has rejected any comparison between the new camp and Sangatte.

In a statement it said: "This is not a second Sangatte, which was an official camp providing shelter, food and facilities to up to 1,500 people while they attempted to gain illegal entry into the UK.

"Since the closure of Sangatte there have frequently been small numbers of people who have slept rough while trying to jump on the back of lorries bound for the UK.

The Home Office said it was working with the French authorities to enforce controls and asylum claims had fallen by about 60 per cent.

Mr Davis had said evidence a shanty town near the former camp was being used as a base by people trying to get into the UK showed the deal to shut Sangatte had failed.

The Sangatte refugee camp after a deal was struck between the British and French governments.

The camp was criticised by UK politicians as a haven for people-smugglers and a base for illegal entry into the UK.

This from KM-fm's Jo Kavanagh...