Small Boat Crossings Debate

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Department: Home Office

Small Boat Crossings

Kevin McKenna Excerpts
Wednesday 6th November 2024

(2 days, 3 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Angela Eagle Portrait Dame Angela Eagle
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Yes, my hon. Friend’s constituents can be assured that a great deal of work is going on and more resources are being applied. A lot more intelligence is being gathered, much of which cannot be discussed publicly. We are on it.

Kevin McKenna Portrait Kevin McKenna (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Lab)
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I strongly welcome the Government’s focus on tackling the root causes of organised crime behind the small boats, rather than the gimmicks of the previous Government. Across Kent, the criminal gangs are fuelling a rise in organised crime, and in my constituency that is pushing up rural crime, street crime and antisocial behaviour. Will my hon. Friend ensure that the new Border Security Command works closely with Kent police to deal with the effects across the whole of Kent and the wider country?

Angela Eagle Portrait Dame Angela Eagle
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I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. Some areas have suffered particular pressure from this phenomenon over the years, and Kent is one of them, so I am acutely aware of the pressure that he and the local authorities in that area are under.