Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 October 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 November 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Illegal Immigrants: France

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assistance the Government provides to France on the policing of the French border of the Channel tunnel.

Answer: The UK and French Governments and police organisations co-operate closely on policing of the channel tunnel. UK and French senior officials and police officers meet regularly in the Joint Security Committee (JSC), which is set up by the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) to ensure continued comparability of security standards for the channel tunnel. Kent police provide a permanent police presence and response to the channel tunnel which is funded under the terms of the Channel Tunnel Act. Kent police, under joint arrangements, also maintain a permanent liaison office in Coquelles that provides direct engagement with the French authorities. Article 4 of the Sangatte treaty further mandates regular joint operational meetings between French and UK agencies. The safety and security of the channel tunnel is supported by other initiatives such as the annual exercise programme, the lead for which alternates between the UK and France.

Secondary information