Island MP Demands Answers After Lifeboats Intercept Migrant Boat

An Isle of Wight MP is calling for answers from the Home Office after two Island lifeboats were involved in an operation to intercept a migrant boat carrying around 160 people.

Bembridge and Yarmouth RNLI lifeboats were called to the vessel at around 10.35am, after it was located roughly halfway between the Isle of Wight and Cherbourg.

Weymouth RNLI and an HM Coastguard aircraft also assisted with the operation.

Those onboard the vessel are now being taken to Langstone Harbour near Portsmouth.

The incident has prompted a political response on the Island.

Isle of Wight MP Joe Robertson says he will contact the Home Office to establish where the boat was heading and whether people smugglers are using new routes across the Channel.

He described the crossing as "extremely concerning", given the vessel had travelled further west than is typical for small boat crossings.

Meanwhile, Isle of Wight Councillor James Whelan, the Reform UK Group Leader, says there is currently no evidence the boat was heading for the Island or that the Isle of Wight is being used as a processing point for people arriving by small boat.

He says he will continue seeking information from the authorities and oppose any plans which could directly affect Island residents.

Labour MPs representing the wider area have thanked HM Coastguard and RNLI crews for their work, while saying the Government is continuing its efforts to tackle people-smuggling gangs and reduce Channel crossings.

Further information about the incident is expected in the coming days.