France with a new plan for unable to cross migrants across the Channel of La Mansh

France's government has prepared an action plan for reducing illegal immigration through the English Channel to Great Britain. First, France will strengthen controls in ports and coastal areas.

The guards at ports and boat rental centres will also be sensationalised, France's Minister of Internal Affairs, Christophe Castaner, said in Paris. In addition, the fight against smugglers' gangs will be expanded.

The passage through this channel must be stopped, because it is the „not only illegal, but also dangerous”, Castaner said. So it's in the interest of France and Great Britain, „to do anything to prevent the establishment of new smugglers' networks”.

Castaner soon visits London to coordinate the co-operation agreed upon a few days ago. Because it's the high number of refugees crossing the English Channel. 504 migrants, according to Castaner, have been trying to get through this channel last year, mostly from Iran. 276 people have reached the British coast, 228 have returned.

The government in London speaks of 539 people who have made efforts to illegally enter Great Britain, 80% of them by October. The passage of the La Mansh Canal is dangerous not only because of heavy shipping traffic but also because of low temperatures and dangerous sea currents. On the narrow side of it, this channel is 40 kilometers.

According to British media, migrants are put under pressure from smugglers, to move to Great Britain before this country's exit from the European Union, because further border controls will be strengthened. / TCh