PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak and France’s President Emmanuel Macron are to team up to tackle people smugglers in the Channel.
In their first phone call, the two leaders promised to “deter deadly journeys across the Channel that benefit organised criminals.”
Sunak and Macron are to join forces to ‘deter deadly journeys across the Channel’
The PM is pushing ahead with his plan to set the French targets for stopping boats
A total of 38,400 migrants have arrived so far this year. On Thursday a further 308 made the perilous crossing.
The PM is pushing ahead with his plan to set the French targets for stopping boats.
And he wants to ensure that 80 per cent of claims are cleared within six months with extra staff and better technology.
The leaders agreed to work together on a range of issues, including Ukraine, climate change and the economy.
Last week it was revealed that just four per cent of asylumn claims were resolved last year – as the backlog spiralled to more than 100,000.
Ministers and officials are looking again at a draft deal that was close to being sealed with France.
They are also keen to see it include minimum French patrols on beaches.
It came after reports that Home Office officials discussed putting up refugees in marquee tents in the centre of London to combat spiralling numbers.
The controversial idea was raised in meetings with leaders of London councils this month as the number of Channel crossings continues to soar, The Times reported.
But the idea was swiftly dismissed, and last night the Home Office insisted they had no plans to do so.
A spokesperson said: “It is categorically untrue to suggest that the Home Office is planning to erect tents to house asylum seekers in London parks.”
Mr Sunak promised to hold a UK-France summit next year.
