Nigel Farage called on the Prime Minister to declare a "national security emergency" over the small boats crisis during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. The Reform UK leader raised concerns about "young, unidentified males" from Iran making the Channel crossing who may "pose a genuine security threat to our nation".
Farage cites MI5 figures on Iran arrests
Speaking in the Commons, Mr Farage said: "MI5 boss Sir Ken McCallum yesterday revealed that there have been 50 arrests in the last year linked to Iran. And I have to say this Government deserves praise for proscribing the IRGC, a very important move."
He added: "But every week there are young, unidentified males from Iran coming into this country, some of whom pose a genuine security threat to our nation. Is it not time the Government recognises that what is going on in the English Channel is a national security emergency?"
Prime Minister points to progress on crossings
In response, the Prime Minister said: "Obviously we've seen the issues at RAF Fairford recently and they have been dealt with in the right way with the utmost seriousness by the police and security service."
He continued: "The key point is of course we do need to get boat crossings down. I hope he would recognise that they are coming down, removals are up. There is much more to be done but there is clearly progress in the right direction."
It comes as more than 20,000 people have made the journey from France in rubber dinghies so far this year.
