Home Secretary declares '˜major incident' over rising migrant numbers in English Channel

British Home Secretary Sajid Javid has described the increasing number of immigrants trying to cross the English Channel as a '˜major incident'.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Dec 2018, 16:20 BST
Updated 9th Jan 2019, 02:29 BST
This image provided by the Marine Nationale (French Navy) shows migrants aboard a rubber boat after being intercepted by French authorities, off the port of Calais, northern France, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. French authorities have rescued eight migrants, including two children, whose engine failed as they tried to sneak across the English Channel to Britain. (Marine Nationale via AP)This image provided by the Marine Nationale (French Navy) shows migrants aboard a rubber boat after being intercepted by French authorities, off the port of Calais, northern France, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. French authorities have rescued eight migrants, including two children, whose engine failed as they tried to sneak across the English Channel to Britain. (Marine Nationale via AP)
This image provided by the Marine Nationale (French Navy) shows migrants aboard a rubber boat after being intercepted by French authorities, off the port of Calais, northern France, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. French authorities have rescued eight migrants, including two children, whose engine failed as they tried to sneak across the English Channel to Britain. (Marine Nationale via AP)

He revealed two separate groups totalling 12 of people tried to reach the UK on Friday alone, some of whom had to be treated for hypothermia. 

After holding talks with Border Force officials and the National Crime Agency, Mr Javid said he would be arranging an urgent call with his French opposite number.

In a statement, the Home Office said it was '˜only a matter of time before people lose their lives'.

Related topics:Home OfficeBorder Force