Border police foil 56,000 attempts by migrants to reach Britain

SEAN MORRISON

3 hours ago

UK Border Force foiled more than 56,000 attempts by migrants trying to get to Kent from France last year, figures show.

They stopped up to 153 attempts every day over the same period, the BBC reported.

The numbers are down on the 2015 figures, but the second highest in the past seven years, the broadcasters said.

A Home Office spokesman said the figures "make absolutely clear that our approach to securing the UK's border is working."

It added: "We will continue to work closely with our French counterparts to maintain border security and keep legitimate passengers and trade moving."

The information, received through an Freedom of Information request, is reported in the same week that violent clashes erupted in Calais, involving up to 200 migrants.

A number of police officers and migrants have been injured in the latest incidents, which have involved Afghans and Eritreans.

The violence prompted a warning from The Road Haulage Association that UK lorry drivers are being put at risk.

The industry body, which has a long-running campaign calling for the deployment of the French military in Calais, said some drivers chose to divert their vehicles via longer routes to avoid the area.

Some 7,000 migrants were cleared from a makeshift camp in the city last autumn.


Border police foil 56,000 attempts by migrants to reach Britain ...