Johnson backs 'swift' clearing of Jungle camp

Home Secretary Alan Johnson today backed the "swift and decisive" clearing of the Jungle refugee camp in Calais.

Mr Johnson said the action by the French Government would disrupt illegal immigration and people trafficking.

Scuffles broke out as people, some in tears, were led away after French police launched early morning swoops on the controversial camp, known as the Jungle.

"I welcome the swift and decisive steps that the French Government has taken today to close the 'Jungle' in Calais, action which will disrupt illegal immigration and people trafficking routes," said Mr Johnson.

"It is a clear signal that France is honouring the agreement we reached in Evian earlier this year to build even stronger controls at the Calais border with the UK.

"The UK Border Agency officers already work day and night alongside the French authorities to secure the border at Calais.

"The UK has agreed a significant further investment to pay for new technology as part of a hi-tech pilot in Calais. This will see the latest state-of-the-art equipment being used to boost searches of vehicles and goods heading for Britain."

Mr Johnson said 28,000 individual attempts to cross the English Channel were halted in the last year and one million lorries were searched.