IT is a travesty that the French are stopping fewer Channel migrants now than last year.
Particularly since in March Rishi Sunak agreed to hand over nearly half a billion pounds to help them do just that.
What a shamefully stark contrast with neighbouring Belgium.
That country’s robust approach has cut the numbers of migrant boats leaving its shores by 92 per cent in just five years.
Unlike the French navy, which escorts flimsy migrant inflatables to UK waters, the Belgians arrest everyone on board and seize their mobiles to help trap smugglers.
Camps are immediately shut down and suspected illegal migrants locked up and given just 24 hours to apply for asylum or quit the country.
Belgian Police Chief Nico Paelinck has few doubts about why French authorities are unsympathetic.
He points at left wing Dunkirk mayor Patrice Vergriete, who has just been handed a plum job by President Emmanuel Macron.
There is no doubt the PM is committed to stopping the boats.
But he needs to ensure British taxpayers are getting more value from the money he is giving Macron and his lefty pals.
BABY-KILLER Lucy Letby is an evil monster who has shattered many lives.
She should not be allowed to inflict more pain on families by refusing to face — in person — the consequences of murdering seven newborn babies.
If she hides away when her sentence is handed down on Monday, it will shame ministers who have been too slow to crack down on such cowards.
But it is ludicrous that judges cannot already order the guilty into the dock for sentence.
And it is chilling to see so many witnesses granted anonymity.
People should very rarely be permitted to make accusations in court that they are not willing to put their names to.
The Government must keep a close eye on this before it becomes the norm.
It is vital for public trust in our open courts that justice is SEEN to be done.
EVERY England fan must do their World Cup Final duty at 11am.
Come on girls…you ALL deserve a gong!
