More attempts by migrants to reach our shores will happen with the start of summertime.

That's the warning from Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke as the net amount of people arriving since the autumn passed the 400 mark this week.

The Home Office now says that 20 people have been sent back to France so far and and more returns are in progress.

Mr Elphicke told the Mercury: "I am concerned the better weather will lead to even more attempts to cross the Channel.

“We must focus on the ruthless people traffickers who prey on vulnerable people.

"The only way to stop them is ensuring they can't successfully smuggle anyone into the UK.

"That’s why the Channel should be made a joint security zone with aerial surveillance, so we can find and return boats safely back to the French coast.”

Over the last week there were four incidents of migrants arriving on our shores, adding up to 43 people.

Mr Elphicke spoke in Parliament on Monday to directly call on ministers to step up security on the English Channel.

In the Commons Mr Elphicke asked Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes: “With more arrivals by small boat across the English Channel, will she update the House with progress on aerial surveillance and gaining the agreement of France for migrants to be returned, to most effectively deter the people traffickers behind this migrant crisis?”

She replied: "It absolutely is people traffickers and organised crime gangs who are encouraging people to make these extremely perilous crossings.

“We do deploy aerial surveillance but the House will appreciate that I will not be able to discuss these covert assets in detail.

“He (Mr Elphicke) is right to emphasise that we are working with a number of member states including France to facilitate returns and around 20 individuals who have crossed via small boat have been returned to date. Further returns are in progress.”

This exchange was during Home Office Question Time.