00:00The number of crossings is down by 50% this year compared with the same period in 2025
00:06and the month we've just had, July, has been the lowest number for six years of people crossing.
00:15So clearly progress is being made but we're not complacent and it's why I am here.
00:21It's why I've come down on Sunday to see the team, to listen to what they think needs to be
00:27done,
00:27what further can be done. So we're just going to be relentless.
00:31People want to see this issue addressed. I heard that on the doorsteps in Makerfield
00:35but we also need to build a system that offers safe routes for people as well
00:39because that also takes away the selling point of the gangs.
00:43So on every level we've got to come at this but crucially increasing the enforcement activity.
00:49So there's been a doubling of enforcement officers through the National Crime Agency
00:53on the UK side of the channel and French specialist officers are now similarly doubled in number
01:00working on the beaches over there.
01:02So a big ramping up of activity this summer.
01:05It's having results but we are not complacent. Much more needs to be done.
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