An Isle of Wight MP has demanded answers from the Home Office after 2 Island lifeboats were involved in the interception of a migrant boat carrying around 160 people.
As first reported by Island Echo, Bembridge and Yarmouth lifeboats were tasked to the vessel at around 10:35, with the boat located roughly halfway between the Isle of Wight and Cherbourg.
The lifeboats were later joined by Weymouth RNLI and HM Coastguard aircraft, with those onboard now being taken to Langstone Harbour near Portsmouth.
The incident has since prompted political reaction, with both Reform UK and Conservatives weighing in.
MP Joe Robertson said he is going to contact the Home Office “first thing” tomorrow to find out where the dinghy was headed.
Reacting to the incident, he has said:
“Extremely concerning to see an illegal migrant crossing this far west.
“We don’t know if this migrant boat was headed for the Isle of Wight but I’ll be contacting the Home Office first thing.
Article continues below this advertisement “We need to know exactly what happened and if new routes are being used for mega-dinghies by people smugglers.”
Taking to social media, Isle of Wight Councillor James Whelan, Reform UK Group Leader on the Isle of Wight, has said:
“Residents should therefore not interpret the presence of our lifeboats in this operation as evidence that the Isle of Wight is being used as a new destination or processing point for small boat arrivals.
“That reassurance does not change my position on the wider issue. Successive governments have failed to properly secure our borders, and communities across the country are understandably frustrated with a system that has allowed illegal Channel crossings to continue.
“We need a national government prepared to secure our borders and restore public confidence in our immigration system.
“But we must also deal in facts. On this occasion, there is no evidence that this vessel was attempting to reach the Isle of Wight, nor that the Island is being used to process those on board.
“I will continue to seek clarity from the relevant authorities and will challenge any proposal that could have a direct impact on Island residents.”
Further update is expected in the coming days.
