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Police arrest 150 UK-bound migrants in Calais
Peter Allen in Paris21 Apr 2009
DOZENS of UK-bound illegal migrants were arrested today by French police targeting people smugglers in Calais.
It comes days before French immigration minister Eric Besson was due to arrive in the port to announce plans to rid the town of alleged refugees.
By 7am more than 150 were in custody as 300 officers raided make-shift camps around the ferry port. Criminals who charge up to £1,000-a-head for passage to England prey on such camps. Police are hoping some of those arrested will be people smugglers.
The number of migrants caught trying to reach Britain by stowing away on lorries at Calais has doubled over the last year to more than 2,000 a month.
Reader views (3)
I can understand WHY these people feel they will be better off in the UK - and they will go to extraordinary lengths to get across the English Channel.
I live in a very sleepy part of Morecambe. Recently there has been an influx of Eastern Europeans. It is now a common sight to see groups of two or three mothers pushing their brood along the narrow pavements. The prams were paid for by the British taxpayer. The clothes were paid for by the British taxpayer. The rent to house these extended families is paid for by the British taxpayer. The furniture is paid for by the British taxpayer. The new television is paid for by the British taxpayer. The latest Audi coupe parked outside is paid for by the British taxpayer.
THE UK IS THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE ENTIRE WORLD.
You get what you vote for.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK, 21/04/2009 16:11
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I wonder how many of those Jacqui Smith would have employed at the Home Office?
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 21/04/2009 15:54
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About time the French did something to curb illegal immigrants instead of preparing them to enter Britain.
- Nick Nack Paddy Mac, London UK, 21/04/2009 15:09
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