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Home Secretary Sajid Javid meeting French counterpart Christophe Castaner over Channel migrant crisis

10:27, 24 January 2019

updated: 11:28, 24 January 2019

The Home Secretary is meeting his French counterpart today to discuss the continuing cross-Channel migrant crisis.

Sajid Javid is meeting Interior Minister Christophe Castaner at lunchtime to discuss solutions.

Mr Javid had told the House of Commons on Monday the meeting would be this week.

Sajid Javid - meeting the French Interior Minister today
Sajid Javid - meeting the French Interior Minister today

Following a question by Dover MP Charlie Elphicke, he also said two more Border Force cutters would be brought in from the Mediterranean by early February.

At least 335 people have tried to cross the Channel since November, usually by dinghies and other small craft.

Some have been brought back to France when caught in French waters and others have been taken to Dover when rescued on the English side.

Others have landed at Kingsdown near Deal, Folkestone and Romney Marsh,

The tally of incidents adds up to 41 between November 8 and last Monday.

There was a resurgence of five incidents on Sunday and Monday after a lull in the New Year.

One of the many rescues of migrant, this one in French waters on last month. Picture © Gendarmerie Maritime
One of the many rescues of migrant, this one in French waters on last month. Picture © Gendarmerie Maritime

On December 28 Mr Javid had declared the situation a "major incident."

Details of today's meeting are expected later today.

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