'GET A GRIP AND FAST!' LABOUR IS DOING NOTHING TO STOP THE BOATS

SIR Keir Starmer must "get a grip — and fast" or the Channel migrant crisis will escalate, James Cleverly has declared.

- Michael Knowles

After 703 more arrived in one day, the former Home Secretary said the Labour PM "ditched" the Rwanda deportation plan even though the National Crime Agency believed the Tory scheme was a deterrent. More than 700 migrants crossed in 11 boats on Sunday the most daily arrivals since Sir Keir swept into No10.

Two people died in French waters while trying to cross. It is understood others in their dinghy were rescued and taken back to France.

Shadow Home Secretary Mr Cleverly vying to be the next Tory leader said: "The boats keep arriving and Labour keep doing nothing. Keir Starmer and [Home Secretary] Yvette Cooper need to get a grip and fast otherwise the numbers will continue to climb.

"The British public have been clear that dealing with this issue is a priority for them; they deserve better." Sir Keir's Government is prioritising bolstered co-operation with European countries to smash the smuggling gangs. Ministers are also establishing a Border Security Command to bring together police, spies, prosecutors and immigration enforcement teams.

But Mr Cleverly hit out at Labour, saying: "They ditched the Rwanda plan, which had already started to have an effect before we Ieft office, and replaced it with nothing. 'The National Crime Agency had been clear that it was a deterrent we needed.

"TheirphantomBorder Command simply isn't working, because it doesn't exist.