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Images captured by charity Channel Rescue and others show border forces practicing ‘pushback’ tactics using jet skis after Home Secretary Priti Patel reaffirms pledges to fight against migrants crossing the Channel to the United Kingdom. Boats were set up with volunteers on board along with border force personnel at Dover using jet skis to drive the boats away from land and, hypothetically, return to France where they came from. GB News Home and Security editor-in-chief Mark White noted that the footage shows “Priti Patel is serious” about migrant crossings after a record number of crossings this year.
The Home Secretary has drawn up several plans to deal with the increase in the number of migrant boats entering the UK from France as the minister comes under intense pressure to crack down on illegal immigration.
Ms Patel said she would withhold £ 54million in funding from the French authorities if they did not fulfill their end of the migrants deal with the UK.
The British government is giving money to France to prevent boats from leaving their northern beaches to the UK, but footage has shown that many boats are simply escorting them to UK waters.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin called the decision “blackmail” and said France would not be intimidated by such a measure.
Ms. Patel also supported pushback tactics such as those used in Australia to forcibly push back boats to France.
Pictures emerged on Monday that appeared to show border forces practicing their methods.
One of the people who filmed the training told The Independent about what she saw.
He told the publication: “They put border force personnel in the canoes and sat on the tubes, mimicking the way people crossing would be seated.”
Ministers are also determined to spend £ 200million on new ships, including £ 18million on drones.
GB News Home and Security editor-in-chief Mark White told GB News: “[They will use it] on boats a little stronger, the rigid types, inflatable
“They can’t use it on the majority of the boats that go through, very fragile boats that are crowded and seem like they are about to disappear underwater at some point.”
Mr White then remarked that a “courageous” border force officer would have to make the decision to turn back the boats, which could result in deaths.
It was reported that the Border Force was calling for a direct line with the Home Secretary who could make the decision to intercept the boats and give him responsible authority.
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