UK's response to migrants arriving by small boats "ineffective and inefficient" - inspector

The British government's response to migrants coming to the country via small boats was "ineffective and inefficient" and has exposed gaps in security procedures, the chief inspector of borders and immigration said on Thursday.

"These migrants crossed the Channel in dire circumstances. Many were vulnerable and at risk, including children and women on their own, and when they arrived in Dover the way they were dealt with was unacceptable," David Neal said.

"This is because the Home Office has failed over the past three years to move from a crisis response to having better systems and procedures in place and treating this as business as usual."