Dover's MP had called for migrants to be quarantined for two weeks after claims more than 80 people crossed the Channel today.

It is understood that those travelling on a flotilla of five craft were detained by Border Force and taken into the Port of Dover.

They were then handed over to Immigration Officers, after being tested for coronavirus.

Dover & Deal MP Natalie Elphicke is calling for immediate action, to protect our corner of the coast and those working on the front line.

She also pointed out that the Port of Dover is a vital supply line for the nation which cannot be risked - therefore new arrivals should not be landed at Dover but instead taken to other ports for processing and then placed into quarantine.

She said: “It’s vital the Home Office and the French authorities take immediate action to stop these illegal crossings.

“If people break into the country illegally, whether by small boats or lorries, they should be immediately quarantined for 14 days for the protection of our community and our country. There have been reports that illegal migrants are being tested on arrival and then released to the immigration authorities.

"If so, that’s simply not right. We have a serious shortage of testing kits for frontline nurses and doctors and other key health workers.

"There is a national need to prioritise and that’s where the testing resources need to go - not on testing illegal entrants. Illegal entrants must be placed into quarantine for 14 days.

“The Port of Dover, the ferry companies, lorry drivers and other local workers are a key part of the vital supply line of food, medicine and goods. These illegal crossings cannot be allowed to put any part of our national operation at risk. Illegal migrants picked up at sea must be taken to other smaller ports.

”Now more than ever, we need to put a stop to these illegal crossings across the English Channel.

"We must protect the nation. We need to be fully focussed on beating the virus at this time.”

It comes after a total of five migrant incidents last week, involving 64 people.

The Home Office said that all appeared to be fit and well following medical assessment and would be checked for coronavirus.

Throughout the pandemic, Border Force and all operational staff have been given the relevant personal protective equipment available to them.

They say priority will always be protecting the lives of vulnerable people, and arresting and dismantling the organised crime gangs.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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