Menu
15/11/2004
UK and France to cooperate more closely on illegal immigration
There will be greater cooperation between Britain and France in tackling illegal immigration to the UK, it has been revealed today.
New joint operations will see the roll out of new hi-tech freight searching equipment at Dunkirk to detect stowaways in vehicles. National agencies will also work closely together to share expertise and resources on the removal of failed asylum seekers, and disrupt gangs of people smugglers.
The Home Office has said that co-operation with the French government – closing Sangatte, improving security around the channel tunnel terminal, freight searching, and the set up full UK immigration controls in France – has been a "key factor" in cutting the UK's asylum claims by 70% in the past two years.
Numbers of illegal immigrants picked up in Dover have gone from more than 2,000 in July 2002, to less than 200 in June 2004, according to Home Office figures.
Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "The reduction in illegal immigration to the UK is a huge achievement, and one which has only been possible through ongoing, close co-operation with the French government."
The UK and French governments are also planning a joint UK-French removals charter flight before the end of this year.
(gmcg)
New joint operations will see the roll out of new hi-tech freight searching equipment at Dunkirk to detect stowaways in vehicles. National agencies will also work closely together to share expertise and resources on the removal of failed asylum seekers, and disrupt gangs of people smugglers.
The Home Office has said that co-operation with the French government – closing Sangatte, improving security around the channel tunnel terminal, freight searching, and the set up full UK immigration controls in France – has been a "key factor" in cutting the UK's asylum claims by 70% in the past two years.
Numbers of illegal immigrants picked up in Dover have gone from more than 2,000 in July 2002, to less than 200 in June 2004, according to Home Office figures.
Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "The reduction in illegal immigration to the UK is a huge achievement, and one which has only been possible through ongoing, close co-operation with the French government."
The UK and French governments are also planning a joint UK-French removals charter flight before the end of this year.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 June 2013
Cardiff Clamp-Down On 'Illegal' Workers
Three people have been arrested during a clampdown on illegal workers in Cardiff. Immigration Minister Mark Harper was present at a series of enforcement raids in Cardiff to witness first hand the work being done to apprehend those working and living in the UK illegally.
Cardiff Clamp-Down On 'Illegal' Workers
Three people have been arrested during a clampdown on illegal workers in Cardiff. Immigration Minister Mark Harper was present at a series of enforcement raids in Cardiff to witness first hand the work being done to apprehend those working and living in the UK illegally.
02 February 2004
UK border control crosses channel to Calais
UK immigration controls have moved from Dover to Calais today as the result of a deal agreed last year between the UK and French governments to cut illegal immigration to the UK.
UK border control crosses channel to Calais
UK immigration controls have moved from Dover to Calais today as the result of a deal agreed last year between the UK and French governments to cut illegal immigration to the UK.
22 October 2013
Home Office Not To Extend 'Go Home' Advertising Van
The Home Office has ruled out extending its controversial "go home" advertising vans to the rest of the UK.
Home Office Not To Extend 'Go Home' Advertising Van
The Home Office has ruled out extending its controversial "go home" advertising vans to the rest of the UK.
05 November 2014
British Police Will Not Be Sent To Calais - Govt Confirms
The government has rejected calls for it to send British police to Calais, saying that security on French soil was "a matter for the French". It comes after the French interior minister suggested that British police could be "useful" in helping French authorities tackle Calais' "tremendous problem" with illegal immigration.
British Police Will Not Be Sent To Calais - Govt Confirms
The government has rejected calls for it to send British police to Calais, saying that security on French soil was "a matter for the French". It comes after the French interior minister suggested that British police could be "useful" in helping French authorities tackle Calais' "tremendous problem" with illegal immigration.
03 December 2012
Home Secretary Launches Appeal Over Abu Qatada
The Home Secretary has applied for permission to launch an appeal in the ongoing dispute regarding the future of Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada. Theresa May has lodged papers with the civil appeals office at the Court of Appeal ahead of a deadline later.
Home Secretary Launches Appeal Over Abu Qatada
The Home Secretary has applied for permission to launch an appeal in the ongoing dispute regarding the future of Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada. Theresa May has lodged papers with the civil appeals office at the Court of Appeal ahead of a deadline later.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
