Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke has reported that on Sunday at Shakespeare beach, local dog walkers were greeted by two small boats that were abandoned, with life jackets scattered across the beach.

The small community of Aycliffe, Dover, woke up to the sounds of the coastguard helicopter and police chasing migrants through their gardens and local streets.

Natalie Elphicke said: “The fact is, these migrants should never have landed on our shores. They should have been intercepted on the French beaches before they could set off.

“I fully understand residents’ concerns about illegal arrivals on our local beaches and how frightening this can be.

“I contacted the Home Secretary and Kent Police immediately upon hearing about the Aycliffe situation at the weekend. This week I also raised the issue directly with Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister.

“It’s clear that the attempts to tackle the Channel crisis are failing at every level. The situation is now out of control. Restoring order at the border is vital and I will continue to do all I can to see the small boats crisis is brought to an end.”

©2024 Hawkinge Gazette       -       The Hawkinge Gazette is not responsible for the content of external sites