Migrant boat heads to UK after refusing French coastguard help

The French coastguard said the vessel’s occupants were "determined to take all risks to reach the UK" after turning down offers of assistance.

A statement from the Prefecture maritime de la Manche et de la mer du Nord said the boat had been monitored between the morning of September 21 and late afternoon on September 22.

It described the boast as "ill-suited for such a crossing" and its occupants "weakened" after more than 33 hours at sea.

The statement said: "This operation is also carried out within the known and delicate context of the migrants’ refusal of assistance, as they are determined to take all risks to reach the United Kingdom."

French authorities also issued a reminder that failing to comply with international maritime law, or interfering with rescue operations, could result in legal action.

Earlier today, the Home Office warned Gosport MP Dame Caroline Dineage that it was "increasingly likely" a small boat would need to be disembarked in the Hampshire town.

The vessel was understood to be departing from typical small boat routes and heading towards Portsmouth.

In a message shared by Dame Caroline, the Home Office said Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary were "fully sighted" on the situation.

The message added any arrivals would be transferred "as quickly as possible" to reception facilities in Kent, with no plans for migrants to remain in Hampshire beyond the immediate operational requirements of their arrival.

Donna Jones, police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said she had urged Border Force to redirect the vessel to Dover instead.

She said: "Hampshire is not prepared or set up to process people travelling into Britain this way and the burden on the police to deal with the arrival and potential protest activity is unsustainable."

Ms Jones added she remained "deeply concerned" the Government had not consulted her directly, despite expecting local police to fund the response.