Vale MP Alun Cairns has taken up the issue of Barry residents who discovered that an immigrant had held on to the axle of their motor home whilst returning from holiday. Mr Cairns has written to the Home Secretary Theresa May to express concern about security in Calais and the risks the situation posed.
Mr Cairns has written to the Home Office to ask what specific measures can be introduced in Calais to avoid a repeat of the situation where a stowaway was able to clamber aboard a motorhome. The immigrant attached himself to the axle for over 100 miles, after arriving in the United Kingdom through the channel tunnel.
Mr Cairns said: “Having spoken with Mr Mullin and Mrs Bell, I have made specific enquiries with the Home Office to ensure this situation cannot happen so easily in broad daylight in Calais.
“Both families were very concerned at the situation. They were put in a situation that no-one should face. The situation that the immigrant placed himself was also alarming. It is clear that more needs to be done in Calais to ensure that holiday makers simply returning home don’t have to suffer with the torment of an uninvited passenger.
“It appears that as they were waiting for the pet passport procedures to be completed, the immigrant must have climbed under the vehicle on to the axle. This could be a blind spot for spot checks, so I will be seeking clarification as to what can be done to close any weak points when crossing the channel.
“Security needs to be improved and I hope the Home Secretary will raise the issue with the French Authorities.
“After last week’s challenge to the Ferry by desperate immigrants trying to get to the UK, it is clear that action needs to be taken.”