Kent under pressure: Living on the frontline of the migrant crisis

Despite lockdown, this year there have been more migrants attempting to cross the Channel by boat than in the same period last year.  Under plans announced by Home Secretary Priti Patel, Border Force officers are to get new Australian-style “turn-back” powers to stop and redirect boats carrying migrants across the Channel. But the new sovereign borders bill isn't likely to come into affect until Autumn. In the meantime, as the weather improves more people will attempt to make the dangerous crossing.  Last summer, Roger Gough, leader of Kent County Council said the numbers of migrant children crossing the Channel was 'unsustainable' and the authority was being 'overwhelmed'. So as the number of migrants continue to climb, can the communities and services on the frontline cope?  This film documents the ongoing struggle between sympathies and frustrations of those living on the Kent Coast.  With special thanks to: Matt Coker John Woollett Colin Myers Kadir Samad Bridget Chapman, Kent Refugee Action Network Archive - PA / BBC Director - Edward Emsley Production Manager - Carla de Nicola Researcher - Elliott Daly Camera - Andy Mackenzie Film Editor - Josh Bourne Graphics - Mia Teixeira Music - Audionetworks Executive Producers - Andy Mackenzie and Danielle Robinson Subscribe to The Telegraph on YouTube ► https://bit.ly/3idrdLH Get the latest headlines: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/ Telegraph.co.uk and    / telegraphtv   are websites of The Telegraph, the UK's best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.