Hampshire MP calls for migrant boats stopped offshore to be taken to Dover
The MP said the issue was causing “significant concern” among the coastal communities he represents
An MP has urged the Home Office to ensure any small boats approaching the Hampshire coast are intercepted at sea and taken directly to Dover.
Paul Holmes, Conservative MP for Hamble Valley, has written to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, after migrants were brought ashore in Portsmouth earlier this month, and plans were made to bring another group to Gosport.
He said the issue was causing “significant concern” among the coastal communities he represents.
In his letter, Mr Holmes said residents were worried about the disruption caused when authorities respond to landings, as well as the “high potential for violent protest” similar to incidents seen elsewhere on the south coast in recent weeks.
He highlighted an incident earlier this week in which a small boat was intercepted at sea and those on board were taken directly to Dover rather than brought ashore in Gosport.
Mr Holmes wrote: “I am requesting that the same be done in the event of any boats heading towards the Hamble Valley coastline.”
His intervention follows the first recorded small boat arrival in Hampshire earlier this month, when about 120 people reached Portsmouth after crossing the English Channel.
Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has also written to the Home Secretary after concerns were raised about the possibility of future arrivals in her constituency. Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has also urged the Home Office to transport any migrants straight to Dover by sea rather than bringing them ashore and transporting then via land.
Meanwhile, Gosport Borough Council has warned the Government that Fort Blockhouse would be an “unsuitable” site for processing migrants, citing concerns over access, pressure on emergency services and the impact on local residents.
The government has confirmed that Portsmouth will not become a designated small boat arrival point following concerns raised by Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Port.
Mr Holmes said he would be “grateful for a response at the earliest opportunity”.