RISHI: I WILL GET 'GRIP' ON MIGRANT CRISIS

PM optimistic’ as talks with French to stop Channel boats enter final stages’

-  Michael Knowles

RISHI Sunak pledged to combat illegal migration as talks on a deal with France entered the "final stage".

The PM was optimistic about ending the Channel boats crisis after talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Egypt yesterday left him with “renewed confidence” about solving the migration problem.

He said that “together with our European partners we can make a difference, grip this challenge of illegal migration and stop people coming illegally”.

Mr Sunak said that there are a “range of things” that European leaders “will action as quickly as we can”.

Downing Street aides yesterday revealed an agreement with France is close to being sealed, with Britain set to provide Paris with more drones and funding.

The Daily Express understands Whitehall wants “overseers” in French control rooms to help smash people-smuggling gangs operating in northern France and to prevent more migrants setting sail to England.

Soaring Channel crossings have taken the asylum system to breaking point, with thousands of people crammed into the Manston processing centre in Kent – prompting fears that ministers were breaking the law.

Mr Sunak said “there is an opportunity” for European states “to work closely” and solve the crisis.