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Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

Asked by Sir Christopher ChopeConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 14 April 2025UIN 43811

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Government pays the RNLI in connection with Channel crossings by asylum seekers.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

Any safety of life at sea operations related to attempts to cross the Channel by migrants in small boats are directed and coordinated by HM Coastguard. The Home Office does not provide funding to RNLI but does provide maritime assets and reconnaissance capabilities where necessary for any Coastguard-directed operations.

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