A Border Force cutter that patrols the Channel is being taken out of service for two months for repairs at a time when ministers are expecting a surge in migrant crossings.
HMC Vigilant, one of five cutters that detect and deter illegal immigration and smuggling, will be out of service from the end of this month until the end of May. The Home Office says that its absence will have no impact on border security and that it is routine to have one cutter undergoing maintenance. The Border Force has a further six vessels patrolling UK and international waters.
Last year 8,417 migrants reached UK waters. Ministers are expecting more this year. There have already been 836 arrivals, almost three times as many as
