Boat migrants face 5 yrs jail if they refuse rescue

ILLEGAL migrants crossing the Channel will face up to five years in jail if they refuse to be rescued by French officials.

- By Michael Knowles

It comes after the Daily Express revealed more migrants will be prosecuted for their role in boat crossings.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is creating a new offence to target those endangering lives.

The Home Office said: "Anyone involved in the physical aggression, intimidation or coercive behaviour, including preventing offers of rescue, while at sea, will face prosecution and an increased sentence of up to five years in prison."

It will also be an offence to collect information to be used by criminal gangs to prepare for crossings. This includes weather, boat departure times and beach launch point information.