Only the EU can solve the Channel migrants crisis

Rishi Sunak’s remarks about curbing illegal Channel immigration are certainly bullish, but whether he translates words into action will make or break his political career. How many other busted PMs have over-promised on this issue? 

Sunak told the travelling press corps on a flight to Indonesia, where the G20 summit is being held, that tackling the Channel small boats crisis is his ‘absolute priority’. Other than the Autumn statement, Sunak added, nothing has occupied him more in recent weeks than what he described as ‘illegal migration’ between France and Britain.  

Admitting that there are no short-term solutions, the PM nonetheless struck a positive note speaking to journalists. ‘There’s a range of things I’m working on, including the French deal, where I’m confident we can bring the numbers down over time and that’s what I am going to deliver.’ 

The deal with France, signed this morning by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, encompasses a raft of measures and will entail an increase in financial aid to France to patrol their coastline, rising from £54.8