As Minister for Countering Illegal Migration, Michael was invited to see at first hand the work of his local police force in reducing organised crime, and protecting our border.
He visited the Dorset Police Marine Unit, to observe their progress on Organised Immigration Crime. He saw first-hand the important role the Marine Unit plays in protecting our border and stopping people smugglers and illegal migrants from reaching our shores undetected. It was useful to discuss the challenges they face on the coastline. The team presented several examples of operations where they had used their boats to intervene with criminals in the surrounding coast.
Michael then accompanied the Marine Unit onboard their boat where the team were able to talk him through their operations.
Michael said :
"In the summer months, when people are on the beach, lots of us see the important work that the Dorset Police Marine Unit do on our coastline in managing rogue jet-skiers, and helping out stranded paddle boarders. But the marine unit are also working year-round, patrolling just under 100 miles of our coastline – protecting our border, and reducing organised crime including the importing of illegal drugs and people-smugglers."
