France pledges to halt people smuggling into Britain

Peter Allen13 April 2012

FRANCE today launched a onslaught against people-smugglers charging up to £3,000 a time to get illegal migrants into countries including Britain.

Major smugglers were arrested after a pledge by immigration minister Eric Besson that the port of Calais would be "watertight" and rid of Britain-bound migrants within a few years.

Mr Besson said the smuggling network heads "would pay" for "their dirty work". The network is believed to have transported illegal immigrants from countries including Afghanistan, China, Turkey and Bangladesh to EU member states. Britain is a popular destination because of its generous welfare payments. Most migrants pass through the Calais to get into Britain.

Mr Besson was due to visit the port, and will meet his British counterpart Phil Woolas in London on Sunday.

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