This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-50823925

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
New Dover MP seeks urgent talks amid more migrant crossings New Dover MP seeks urgent talks as 69 migrants picked up
(about 5 hours later)
The newly elected Dover and Deal MP is seeking talks with the home secretary amid reports of several migrant boats arriving off the Kent coast. The newly elected Dover and Deal MP is seeking talks with the home secretary after 69 migrants in five boats were picked up off the Kent coast.
The Home Office confirmed earlier that "small boat incidents" were ongoing. Natalie Elphicke said she would be telling Home Secretary Priti Patel that the French needed to do more "to stop illegal departures from their shores".
The migrants, including 10 children, have all been given medical checks.
On 4 December, 79 migrants, including children, were intercepted in five separate incidents.On 4 December, 79 migrants, including children, were intercepted in five separate incidents.
Natalie Elphicke MP said she would be telling Home Secretary Priti Patel that the French needed to do more "to stop illegal departures from their shores". Mrs Elphicke said: "The French have been given tens of millions of pounds of British hard-earned taxpayer money... I want to know where the money has gone.
"The French have been given tens of millions of pounds of British hard-earned taxpayer money... I want to know where the money has gone. "Because while much has been done, it is clear there is more to do.
"Because while much has been done, it is clear there is more to do. More to do tackling the people traffickers behind this shocking trade in people. More to do making sure anyone found in the Channel is immediately sent back to France. "More to do tackling the people traffickers behind this shocking trade in people.
"More to do by the French to stop these illegal departures from French shores," the MP said. "More to do making sure anyone found in the Channel is immediately sent back to France.
"More to do by the French to stop these illegal departures from French shores."
Five boats
The migrants will now be interviewed by immigration officials, a Home Office spokesman said.
More than 1,700 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats during 2019.More than 1,700 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats during 2019.
Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on InstagramFollow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram