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French minister says UK police should help in Calais

France's interior minister says British police should be sent to Calais to help dissuade would-be illegal immigrants from trying to cross the channel.

There are around 2,500 migrants in Calais and the town's mayor has previously told MPs many are "prepared to die to come to England".

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Calais 'has right to live in peace' from 'violent immigrants'

Calais mayor Natacha Bouchart said the residents of her city have the right to "live in peace" from the threat posed by the immigrant population attempting to enter the UK.

She said recently the migrant population has changed to become more violent, containing a lot more people who have been trafficked into France, and those involved in organised crime. She said:

The spirit in which we have come today is to discuss how to move forward.

We would like to talk to the government to discuss the benefits systems which we view as too attractive, and are encouraging immigrants to make this journey.

– Calais mayor Natacha Bouchart

She also said the criminal gangs in Calais are often linked to gangs within the UK.

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