This weekend’s saga is exactly why migration cannot be via rubber boat crossing of the English Channel

This isn’t about flying flags or spewing hate or being intolerant. It is common sense.

A guy who came into the country on a rubber boat was caught harassing a 14 year old girl, telling her that in his country, she can be his wife. Then he made a grab for her. He also did the same to a lady who was helping him to complete a CV. It is of course very possible that where he comes from, such behaviour is not taboo. But it is criminal here and he was tried and found guilty, sent to prison for 12 months. It is the exact reason why people should come into the UK via due process, even if seeking asylum. He would have received some information about the laws of this land and that over here, you can’t go making a grab for women, even if as he says, he can get away with doing so where he came from. Coming in via rubber boats across the channel means a bypass of the due process, which could help migrants understand our laws and avoid getting in trouble as this fellow has. On the flip said, the victims of such behaviour feel let down by the government as the government must find a way to project the population. It isn’t everyone who comes across on a rubber boat that’s going to behave like this fellow did, but then, it is the reason that arrangements need to be put in place, to process the folk coming in and get them through due diligence before mingling with the public. It is for the best and helps both parties

The government must find a way to end the rubber boat crossings. It is not right, whichever way you look at it. France should set up a processing centre and due diligence put in place, while the channel made secure by whatever means practicable. The crossings must stop, and genuine asylum seekers processed and assisted.

Protesting, flying flags or being intolerant ain’t gonna solve this problem. As Brits, we are civilised people, we must act in that manner, regardless of the frustration. I firmly believe the government will find a solution at some point. It is a very complex problem