A HOME Office security measure to deter migrants from crossing the Channel is actually a magnet to them, it is claimed.
It comes after 1,700 people are said to have reached Britain using the Channel in 2019, compared with 297 last year.
Sajid Javid deployed two Border Force cutters to patrol the water in 2018 when he was Home Secretary.
But former Home Office head of immigration enforcement David Wood blamed it for the rise in numbers.
He told The Times: The more Border Force cutters there are in the Channel the more attractive it is for those setting sail in small boats.
“They know they will be picked up and taken to the UK. For them that is mission accomplished.
They are not worried about getting caught. That does not matter to them.
“They are briefed on what to do if they are caught, where to say they are from.
“They say the come from Iran or Afghanistan and effectively they will never get removed from the UK.
On Boxing Day, 49 migrants were picked up in the Channel by a Border Force cutter and patrol vessel.
