Nigel Farage condemned for boat trip into English Channel to report migrant ‘invasion’

Brexit Party leader has already been reprimanded for making trips to report on migrants during lockdown

Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage on the campaign trail in 2019 (Getty Images)

Nigel Farage has been condemned as "callous and heartless" for making a boat trip into the Channel to monitor migrants arriving in the UK.

The Brexit Party leader posted on Twitter that he had "just hit dry land in Dover" after an early morning foray to track migrants arriving on British shores.

His latest move comes after he was reprimanded by the police for making several trips to the south coast during lockdown to produce videos on what he describes as an “illegal migrant scandal”.

After a complaint from the public, Mr Farage was visited by officers from Kent Police, who advised him on the restrictions on travel in place to tackle coronavirus.

An unrepentant Mr Farage claims to have now taken to the waves, posting on Twitter: "Just hit dry land in Dover.

"Was out mid-Channel early this morning and we found a small inflatable in trouble with over 20 onboard. They were bailing water.

"Footage will be out later. The invasion will continue unless we act."

Christine Jardine, the Liberal Democrat shadow home affairs spokesperson said: "The actions of Nigel Farage today are appalling. To disregard those struggling to survive in such a callous and heartless way is a new low, even for him.

"Priti Patel's decision to pander to individuals such as Farage only increases incidents such as these.

"By making it harder to come to the UK safely, the Conservatives are playing into the hands of criminal gangs who exploit desperate people for profit."

She called for a stronger Border Force to stop people smugglers and legal routes to sanctuary to help people claiming asylum.

Recent figures from the Home Office show around 450 people travelled to the UK in small boats between January and March.

Figures compiled by The Telegraph using Border Force data put the figure much higher at around 1,435 arrivals in 2020 to date.

Earlier, Priti Patel, the home secretary, told LBC that tackling illegal crossings was "a major challenge" and blamed organised criminal gangs for the numbers trying to make the journey.