We're being tough on small boats but it's the right thing

“This simply isn’t fair. Those arriving by small boat are skipping the queue to reach the UK

- Robert Jenrick

SUNDAY EXPRESS readers have had enough. Over the past two years the number of people crossing the Channel illegally has more than quadrupled. What was once viewed as a short-term emergency is in danger of becoming the status quo.

We have seen how dangerous these crossings are. People are putting their lives at risk and tragedy could strike at any moment.

But the journeys are not only unsafe; they are completely unnecessary. Each and every migrant setting off in a flimsy dinghy is already in a safe country: France.

The consequence of this is the unacceptable – and deeply unfair – situation in which the British public now find themselves.

Eyewatering amounts of taxpayer’s money are being used to pay hotel bills to accommodate illegal arrivals. Public services are being placed under immense pressure.

And communities’ ability to manage such large numbers of new arrivals is being tested, with tensions now rising.

These crossings have pushed our asylum system to breaking point.

Enough is enough. That is why the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and I have made it a priority to stop the boats.

Last week we took a crucial step forward with the introduction of our Illegal Migration Bill.