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Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

Asked by Sojan JosephLabourHome OfficeTabled Answered 21 October 2025UIN 82535

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans her Department has for (a) small boats, (b) dinghies and (c) other vessels that are seized for trying to transport migrants into the UK.

Answered by Alex Norris

All vessels that have been subject to seizure, are held by Border Force until the completion of criminal investigations and any resulting legal proceedings. The majority of boats, dinghies and other vessels are not fit to ever go to sea again, as they arrive in very poor condition and may be damaged during the recovery process. The boats, dinghies and vessels are disposed of by Border Force’s approved contractors and where appropriate, any suitable materials are recycled.

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