David Cameron urged to witness Calais migrant crisis 'first-hand'

David Cameron has been urged to visit Calais to witness the impact of the migrant crisis "first-hand".

Extra security guards were stationed at the port overnight as Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond insisted the UK has "got a grip" on the situation.

But the Road Haulage Association (RHA) said until Mr Cameron - who is currently on holiday - saw the "mayhem" for himself then he could not "grasp the severity" of the crisis.

Mr Hammond, speaking after chairing an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday, would not be drawn on the prime minister's absence or whether his holiday would be cut short.

Lorry drivers are facing 'appalling conditions' in Calais, the RHA has said. Credit: Reuters

Thousands of migrants have attempted to reach the UK by crossing the Channel in recent weeks, leading to widespread disruption for lorry drivers.

RHA chief executive Richard Burnett encouraged Mr Cameron to "see for himself the appalling conditions drivers are facing".

Philip Hammond defended the Government's handling of the crisis. Credit: Reuters

Shadow justice secretary Lord Falconer will visit the French port to discuss the situation with Eurotunnel officials and the RHA.

"No UK Government minister has visited the Eurotunnel railhead to see first-hand the problems faced by the rail operator because of the failure to get to grips with migrants in northern France," a Labour spokesperson said.

The foreign secretary insisted that co-operation with the French authorities and Eurotunnel had improved, and measures employed were "already having an effect".