Border patrols will storm migrant dinghies and seize small boats to stop evil people smugglers under new powers

BORDER officials will be able to storm migrant dinghies under sweeping new powers unveiled by Priti Patel today. 

British forces patrolling the Channel will be able to use “reasonable force” to board and seize small boats being used by people smugglers. 

And they will also be handed the powers to send the vessels back to France – but only with the say so of French President Emmanuel Macron. 

With crossings this summer set to smash through the 2020’s record numbers, the underfire Home Secretary will try to rush the new powers through parliament.

But a bolshy Priti was certain that a deal with France and other countries were “in the train” adding the type of deal were “absolutely vital” to crack down on the route,

Speaking yesterday she said: “When you look at the work we’re doing with France, we have a bilateral relationship there and of course we’re always pursuing return agreements.

She added: “Those agreements are under development, we are constantly working with countries around the world.”

Claiming asylum after coming from ‘safe’ countries like France, Belgium or Germany will become illegal under the new plans, with those found guilty facing up to four years in prison.

Ms Patel added: “People who have come from France, come from Germany, come from safe countries around the world who then cross the channel in these small boats in very dangerous conditions…they will not be able to claim asylum in the UK in a way in which they have been able to for too long.”

The Nationality and Borders Bill also confirms plans to place refugees in off-shore centres, although it does not detail any potential destinations. 

It’s been reported the UK is considering sharing a processing centre with Denmark in Rwanda.

And it also gives the green light for tit for tat visa rows – seeing countries that refuse to take failed asylum seekers and foreign criminals blocked from accessing legal visas. 

Ms Patel added: “We will consider penalties – and it could be visas, it could be other aspects such as visa fees, or even slowing down processing – we will consider all options and that is one of the measures in this Bill.”

The Bill will also create a new body to carry out scientific evidence of age assessments to stop migrants posing as children to have their cases fast tracked. 

However charities blasted the Home Secretary for making asylum seekers “criminals.”

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council said: “This government is cruelly choosing to not only turn away those in need of safety but also treat them as criminals.

“This anti-refugee Bill will drive an already inefficient and ineffective system into disarray with even worse delays and far greater expense. 

“We need a system that gives everyone a fair hearing, protects those who need protecting and enables those to return who don’t. 

“Competence, compassion and control are needed instead of cruelty, cold-heartedness and ineptitude.”