Added powers will ‘disrupt’ channel crossings, says MP
Labour MP Mike Tapp has expressed optimism that proposed counter-terror powers under the forthcoming Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will significantly disrupt the number of attempted Channel crossings. The MP for dover and deal described the new legislation as a vital step in addressing people smuggling, though he cautioned there would be “no quick fix” to the crisis.
The announcement follows a tragic incident on sunday morning when three individuals lost their lives off the coast of sangatte, near calais. French authorities rescued 45 people who had struggled to board a small boat bound for the UK. These are the first recorded deaths in the Channel since october, bringing the number of fatalities this year to at least 53.
Tackling a longstanding crisis
Channel crossings have surged in recent years. While just 400 individuals attempted the journey in 2018, the number has since exceeded 150,000, according to Mr Tapp. Over the christmas period alone, 1,485 people made the dangerous journey across the Channel, marking the busiest festive season since records began in 2018.
Describing the deaths as a recurring tragedy, Mr Tapp linked the issue to what he called the “inheritance of open borders” from the previous government. “When we ran the election and were elected into Government, we made it really clear that this is a complex issue,” he said.
New powers for border security
The King’s Speech outlined the government’s commitment to introducing the border security, asylum and immigration Bill. The legislation aims to modernise the UK’s immigration and asylum systems by equipping law enforcement agencies with enhanced powers to investigate and prosecute organised immigration crime.
Mr Tapp highlighted the importance of these measures, comparing the proposed “disruptive techniques” to those used in counter-terror operations. “The disruptive techniques that can be used from those powers make it difficult for terrorists to act, and therefore it will have the same impact on criminals,” he explained.
The MP believes these initiatives will contribute to a significant reduction in attempted crossings, although he acknowledged that the results will take time to materialise.
Deportations and system reforms
Mr Tapp also pointed to recent successes in deportation figures, with 13,500 individuals removed from the UK in the past six months—a 25% increase compared to previous years under conservative leadership. The period saw the largest deportation flights on record, signalling progress in what he described as “fixing the system.”
The role of ID cards
Labour MP Jo White suggested the introduction of ID cards as a potential deterrent to illegal migration, particularly by restricting access to jobs and public services like the NHS. While Mr Tapp expressed general support for the idea, he noted the high costs involved, especially given the current economic climate.
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Crossing figures and context
Figures published on Sunday reveal that 322 people crossed the Channel in six boats on saturday. To date, 36,525 individuals have made the perilous journey in 2024, reflecting a 24% increase compared to 2023 but a 20% decline from the record-breaking year of 2022.
A multifaceted issue
Mr Tapp acknowledged that immigration is one of several pressing issues facing his constituents in Dover, alongside concerns about the cost of living, NHS performance, and policing. However, he reiterated Labour’s commitment to making tangible progress on immigration. “I’m convinced that we can and will make a difference on this issue and bring the numbers down,” he said.
As the government prepares to roll out its enhanced border security measures, the coming months will be critical in determining whether these efforts can effectively curb the ongoing crisis while ensuring the safety and dignity of those affected.
