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Migrant crisis: 21 migrants found at Dungeness

By: Beth Robson

Published: 16:52, 12 August 2020

Updated: 08:48, 13 August 2020

Twenty one migrants are reported to have been picked up by authorities at Dungeness beach today.

This morning's discovery Was pictured by Peter Down of PD Photography.

Migrants arrived on the beach at Dungeness. Picture PD Photography

The Home Office has sincconfirmeded a total of 71 people on six boats arrived on Wednesday.

It comes the day after the Immigration Minister Chris Philp met with his French counterpart to devise a comprehensive action plan to stop foreign nationals making the dangerous crossings.

Meanwhile the Home Office has submitted a request for military assistance to provide a pushing back force, stopping the small boats and inflatables reaching UK waters and the British coast.

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On Monday Home Secretary Priti Patel has appointed former Royal Marine Dan O'Mahoney as clandestine channel threat commander - a new role to lead the UK’s response to the crisis.

Last night the Home Office confirmed 74 migrants were found off the Kent coast yesterday.

It makes up a record week, which peaked on Thursday when 235 cases were reported.

Migrants arrived on the beach at Dungeness. Picture PD Photography

No end is in sight according to Lucy Moreton, professional officer for ISU, the union for borders, immigration and customs workers.

She said Border Force workers at Dover are working longer hours to try to process the unprecedented numbers of people flocking to Kent to seek asylum.

Dan O’Mahoney, Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, said: “These crossings are dangerous and unnecessary and I am determined to stop them.

“The Minister and I met with French officials in Paris on Tuesday for discussions on how to advance joint working on making the small boats route for illegal migration unviable.

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“We will continue to go after the heinous criminals and organised crime networks putting people’s lives at risk. Twenty-three people smugglers have been jailed this year and two more were charged recently.”

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