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Speaking at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, the Home Secretary pledged to continue doing all she could to stop human trafficking operations exploiting vulnerable people.
After previously accusing France of not doing enough to stop the crossings, she said: “With all of this, we will continue to pursue joint solutions to joint problems.
“France is a safe country, one not riven by war or conflict.”
Last month saw a record number of migrants cross the Channel with over 4,000 people making the treacherous journey.
More than 17,000 have made the journey so far in 2021, more than double the total for the whole of 2020 with three months of the year still to go.
The UK has agreed it will pay £54million to France to help Paris stop attempts to cross the Dover Strait.
Funding will go towards helping boost the number of French police patrolling beaches and training on using drone technology to thwart the efforts of people smugglers.
Speaking to a crowded room on the main stage of the conference, Mr Patel added: “What is happening in the Channel with small boats is unsafe, unfair, and unacceptable.
“From the vast camps outside Calais of mainly male, economic migrants, to the shocking images of people crammed onto flimsy boats crossing the Channel, exploited by people smugglers.
“Vile criminals characterised by ruthlessness and greed, who even threaten to drown small children to line their pockets. This cannot continue.”
More to follow…
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