Undocumented Migrants: English Channel
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of recent migration into southern Europe on small boat crossings of the English Channel.
Answered by Home Office
The Government keeps all migration risks under constant review. While the operation of the Schengen Area is a matter for the EU and Schengen member countries, the Government continues to monitor the situation closely. We note Spain’s cooperation with Morocco to bring the situation swiftly under control; that over 97% of those who crossed into Ceuta have now returned to Morocco; and that permanent border controls remain in place between Ceuta and mainland Spain.
Based on the information currently available, there is no evidence that the events in Ceuta have created a new route to the UK. The Prime Minister has offered support to Prime Minister Sánchez following the incident, and the Government is working closely with Spanish and Moroccan counterparts. The Government keeps all migration risks under constant review and continues to work with international partners to strengthen border security, tackle illegal migration and disrupt organised immigration crime.
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