Shocking audio has highlighted the moment French officials ask for their lifejackets back after escorting migrants across the English Channel. The clip, shared by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, features a conversation between the French and Border Force officials.
Mr Philp, posting on X, said: “French forces this morning asking for their life jackets back so they facilitate even more illegal crossings. “Facilitating illegal immigration is a criminal offence (s25 Immigration Act 1971) – surely that is what is happening here.” During the clip, Mr Philp can be heard to say: “What a brazen cheek.”
Speaking to Express.co.uk’s investigations editor Zak Garner Purkis aboard the Portia in the English Channel, Mr Philp added: “When I heard the French vessel asking for the life jackets back I thought it was ridiculous.
“I thought they were taking the mick to be honest.
“They are essentially assisting and facilitating illegal migration.
“The French authorities should be stopping not facilitating it.
“They are going to take them back for the next set of crossings.
So no wonder we’ve got the worst set of numbers.”
Earlier Zak’s boat tracked two small boats which left Gravelines beach about 8am, and which were slowly being escorted by a French coastguard vessel towards the English Channel.
A British Border Force vessel was seen to be approaching the flimsy crafts, one of which appeared to be loaded up with at least 70 people, and is understood to have rescued them in British waters.
The incident came the day after the Government’s treaty with France aimed at stopping small boat crossings came into force.
Under the ‘one-in, one-out’ scheme, an equal number of migrants will be eligible to come to the UK through a new route if they have not attempted an illegal crossing before – subject to full documentation and security and eligibility checks.
Speaking yesterday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “This government has been fixing the foundations of the broken asylum system we inherited and today we send a clear message – if you come here illegally on a small boat you will face being sent back to France.
“This is the product of months of grown-up diplomacy delivering real results for British people as we broker deals no government has been able to achieve and strike at the heart of these vile gangs’ business model.
“The days of gimmicks and broken promises are over – we will restore order to our borders with the seriousness and competence the British people deserve.”