Channel migrants ‘quickly turn criminal’ when they arrive in Britain, Home Secretary claims

Some Channel migrants become involved in crime “very quickly” after reaching British shores and have become a “notable feature of day-to-day crime-fighting,” Suella Braverman said.

The home secretary said chief constables had informed them of the arrival of small boats from northern France implicated in drug gangs, exploitation and prostitution.

She said: “Not in all cases, but it’s becoming a notable feature of day-to-day crime-fighting in England and Wales.

“We cannot ignore the fact that many people come here illegally and very quickly become involved in drug trafficking, other forms of exploitation, crime and prostitution.”

When asked if she had numbers to back up her claim, she said, “I consider police chiefs to be experts in their fields and authoritative sources of information.”

Ms Braverman outlined tough new immigration laws that will allow canal migrants to be arrested and “quickly” removed.