Sajid Javid on English Channel migrant crossings: 'Strike a balance between protecting them and protecting our borders'
Home secretary Sajid Javid has spoken out on the English Channel migrant crisis, saying it's "vital" to "strike a balance between protecting them and protecting our borders".
It comes after Mr Javid cut short his family holiday to deal with the “major incident” of rising numbers of migrants attempting to cross the Channel by boat.
In a statement, Mr Javid said on Saturday: "The situation in the Channel is of grave concern, with people gambling their lives in reckless attempts to reach the UK in unsafe boats and treacherous conditions.
"It is vital we strike a balance between protecting them and protecting our borders, ensuring we do not encourage more people to make this dangerous journey.
"We have been working closely with our domestic partners and the French for some time to address this issue."
Two boats carrying 12 men from Syria and Iran were brought to shore on Friday, just days after 40 migrants attempted the crossing on Christmas Day.
Mr Javid, who was appointed home secretary in April, added: "After a rise in activity over Christmas, I immediately stepped this up, declaring a major incident and returning to the UK to drive our continued and enhanced response.
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Sajid Javid cuts family holiday short to deal with migrant crisis
"I continue to keep the number of Border Force cutters in the Channel under close review, but there is no one easy answer to this complex problem.
"That is why I will continue to work closely with all partners to ensure we do even more to intercept these boats before they reach the UK, to tackle the organised crime gangs that facilitate many of these dangerous journeys, and to deter and protect those driven to make them."
