(BBC) Small boat migrant crossings are becoming “a major threat” to the UK, MPs have been told.
The Home Affairs Select Committee was hearing evidence after Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage claimed French ships were “escorting” migrant boats.
The Home Office said migrants had been “shadowed” in case their vessel sank.
Ex-Border Force chief Tony Smith told MPs migrants knew UK boats would pick them up, adding: “This is becoming a major threat to the UK border.”
Mr Farage had taken a boat and camera crew into the Channel to film crossings on Wednesday.
