Priti Patel sanctions tactics to 'turn back' migrant boats in Channel

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, aboard a Border Force vessel following a small boat incident in the Channel. (Steve Parsons/PA) Picture date: Wednesday September 8, 2021.

Thu, 09 Sep, 2021 - 10:51

Flora Thompson, Michael Drummond, Mike Bedigan and Geraldine Scott, PA

The UK's Home Secretary has reportedly sanctioned new tactics to redirect migrant boats in the Channel back to France amid crunch talks over crossings.

According to reports, Priti Patel has ordered officials to rewrite maritime laws to allow Border Force to turn boats around, forcing them to be dealt with by French authorities.