Calais crisis: UK and France set to agree strategy today

A strategy to tackle the migrant crisis in Calais is set to be agreed by the UK and France today.

Home Secretary Theresa May will join her French counterpart, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, at Coquelles on the edges of Calais to discuss a deal. Insiders expect it will include tighter security measures.

They will also meet with aid associations to discuss humanitarian support for the migrants.

This summer thousands of migrants have attempted to travel to the UK through the Channel Tunnel from makeshift camps around Calais.

Earlier this month, the UK pledged to add €10m (£7m) to a fund desginated to secure the port of Calais. The fund was established in September 2014 and was initially granted €15m (£10.5m) over three years.

Today's meeting comes after officials said yesterday that the number of migrants arriving at the EU's borders is at a record high. Germany has seen a surge in migration from Syria as people flee ISIS. The German government now expects to receive up to 750,000 asylum seekers this year.

Last year the UK received 31,400 asylum applications, the majority of which were refused.

related articles
\'I prayed for him and I knew he\'d met God\'. Retired vicar\'s ministry to Calais migrants
'I prayed for him and I knew he'd met God'. Retired vicar's ministry to Calais migrants

'I prayed for him and I knew he'd met God'. Retired vicar's ministry to Calais migrants

Calais: How the migrant crisis shames Britain, and what we ought to do about it
Calais: How the migrant crisis shames Britain, and what we ought to do about it

Calais: How the migrant crisis shames Britain, and what we ought to do about it

Songs of Praise in Calais: Finally the media listens to migrants themselves

Songs of Praise in Calais: Finally the media listens to migrants themselves

Songs of Praise in Calais: Migrant priest fears for his family if his face is shown

Songs of Praise in Calais: Migrant priest fears for his family if his face is shown

UK Church leaders attack Government for Calais failures
UK Church leaders attack Government for Calais failures

UK Church leaders attack Government for Calais failures

News
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'
Danny Kruger: Britain should be 'confidently Christian'

Reform MP Danny Kruger has spoken of the need for Britain to once more assert itself as a  country with a long and rich Christian Heritage.

400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions
400 girls 'missing' thanks to sex-selective abortions

Sex selective abortions appear to be taking place within the Indian community, data suggests.

Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity
Community pantries mark a million visits as new research highlights impact on food insecurity

Community pantries across the UK have recorded their one millionth visit, as new research suggests the membership-based food model is helping thousands of households reduce food insecurity, cut costs and prevent them from falling into extreme hardship.

Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India
Christmas was a mix of joy and hostility for Christians in India

India has witnessed a blend of joyful Christmas celebrations in many parts of the country, alongside reports of hate, hostility, and attacks on Christians this season, particularly in northern and central regions.