TalkTV star has scathing solution to Illegal migrant crisis that just might work

TalkTV presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer expressed her frustration over the continuing problem of illegal migrants crossing into the UK.

During a discussion on the channel, she questioned former intelligence officer and security journalist Philip Ingram about small boats crossing the English Channel. Their conversation came as the Home Office investigates reports of migrants reaching the UK without being detected or intercepted.

Julia said she had always believed that some migrants may be entering the country without being detected. She suggested that the authorities may mainly become aware of those who later make asylum claims and enter official accommodation, while others could arrive and disappear without contacting the authorities.

She questioned whether the recent boats reported to have reached the UK without interception were really the only ones to have done so over the past year.

“Do you really believe these are the only two boats not to be intercepted in the last year, which is what we’re being told?” she asked.

Philip replied that he did not believe so. He also pointed out that there was less public discussion about people entering the country through other routes, including those hiding in lorries.

Julia responded by saying she believed that was still happening on a large scale.

Philip then turned to what he believed the government should do about people arriving in the UK through small boats.

He argued that migrants arriving across the Channel should be taken directly into secure detention and deported as quickly as possible. In his view, taking such an approach would reduce the attraction of making the journey to Britain.

He then proposed an even tougher measure on benefits.

“Then ban benefits! Anyone who’s not a British passport holder should not get access to benefits, full stop,” he said.

His comments represented his own proposed response to the migrant crisis and would amount to a major change from the UK’s current rules. Under existing rules, eligibility for benefits depends on a person’s immigration status and the particular benefit involved, rather than simply whether they hold a British passport.