‘4 in 10 illegal migrants arriving from Albania’

As 18,000 cross this year, leak reveals many not fleeing danger

- Giles Sheldrick

THOUSANDS arriving in small boats across the Channel are not seeking refuge from war or persecution but young economic migrants trying to get to Britain.

A sensitive military intelligence leak has revealed four in 10 are from Albania, a Nato member where there has not been a war in 25 years.

It raises fears some could become “foot soldiers” for underworld Balkan gangs while abusing the hospitality of British taxpayers.

Official figures reveal 18,108 have reached Britain this year by making the dangerous trip from France in dinghies – an average of 85 a day in the seven months.

Another 337 people arrived in 10 small boats at the weekend.

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke said: “As soon as legally possible, the Rwanda flights must resume.