Tunnel walker asylum win is a threat to national security

UKIP MEP, Mike Hookem has slammed British immigration authorities that granted asylum to a migrant who walked through the Channel Tunnel from Calais, calling the decision a “nonsensical threat to national security” and “a come on” to others migrants who would risk their lives walking through the tunnel to reach England.

Mr Hookem, who spent the summer examining the migrant crisis in Northern France said, “This man broke numerous laws in both France and the UK to access and then walk through the Channel Tunnel; as well as risking both his own and the lives of others.”

“Now, instead of prosecuting him and holding his case up as an example of what will happen to those who break the law, UK immigration authorities have seen fit to reward him with the ultimate prize of granting asylum.”

“This decision does nothing more than suggest to the thousands of migrants currently waiting in Calais that if you survive the walk you can expect a warm welcome from the UK government and all the benefits of asylum in the UK.”

“As this man is now officially classed as an asylum seeker, it is more than likely any criminal charges he faces will be dropped; sending the message that asylum takes precedence over any of the laws that the citizens of this country must abide by.”

“This decision is nonsensical and will act as a ‘come on’ to every migrant in Calais who is willing to put their life at risk to reach the UK.”

“The fact is what he did was dangerous in the extreme and could have resulted not only in his own death, but the deaths of passengers and staff in the Euro Tunnel. If you or I did anything like this, we could expect nothing more than a hefty prison sentence.”

“This man’s actions also expose serious security flaws in the Channel Tunnel operation which must be addressed as a matter of urgency. This incursion could have had disastrous consequences if this man had of had terrorist intentions.”