MP for Dover & Deal Natalie Elphicke has commented on the reported ‘ambitious package of measures’ to tackle the small boats crisis discussed by PM Liz Truss and President Macron of France at this week’s European Summit in Prague.
Following their meeting, Natalie Elphicke commented: “While it is welcome that there is an ‘ambitious package of measures’ to tackle small boats, what will this new initiative involve?
“Will it involve joint patrols on French shores or making the Channel a joint security zone?
“Will it involve the French accepting immediate returns?
“Will it mean the French actually stopping boats leaving their shores in the first place?
“If not, there must be a real worry that it will simply be more of the same – which hasn’t worked.
Tens of millions of pounds
“We cannot do yet another deal where we pay over tens of millions of pounds of hard earned taxpayers’ money but get little in return. There needs to be concrete action.
“France has a moral and legal responsibility to stop organised crime and people trafficking on its shores. It’s vital that the UK Government presses France to step up and stop the boats, before more lives are lost this Winter.”