David Hanson MP, Labour’s Shadow Immigration Minister, responding to the latest reports from Calais, said:

“The Government seriously need to get a grip on this situation. A series of panicky announcements on policies that were planned before this crisis emerged just won’t cut it. Telling landlords to act as a second tier border force and removing support from asylum seekers already in our country will not stop so many desperate people putting themselves and others in danger to get across the border.

“This needs a careful and considered international response. The government should be focused on leading pan-European efforts to stop people crossing the Mediterranean, then making their way to Britain’s borders, instead of using a series of re-announcements as a distraction.”