‘A pact with France could solve the migrant crisis’

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak clearly grasps the importance of preventing small boats arriving on our shores, and is seeking a new ‘ambitious’ deal with the French to improve joint efforts by our two countries.He is working hand in glove with Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who is looking for ways to ensure France has ‘everything they need’ to provide effective border controls.The fresh drive to end illegal crossings follows warnings from border officials that small boats are being used by organised gangs to bring in criminals from countries such as Albania.Other would-be migrants may have more noble motives for seeking to come here, but they are being exploited by people traffickers and putting their lives at risk in a bid to circumvent our immigration rules.Regaining control of our borders is a key concern across this country. It’s astonishing that we currently spend £7million every day housing asylum seekers.We must hope the arrival of a new government provides an opportunity for a fresh start, to begin tackling small boats and ensure that border controls are enforced for the benefit of legal migrants who obey the rules, and for the nation as a whole. France and the UK must work together to stem the flow of migrants crossing the Channel (Image: GETTY)The last thing elderly people need as they struggle to manage the pennies is the threat of a court summons for failure to buy a television licence.Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan appears to understand this, amid reports that she wants the BBC to give over-75s amnesty from prosecution.At £159-a-year, a television licence is not cheap. But the days are long gone when TV could be regarded as a luxury.Catching up with popular shows helps ensure that elderly people, especially those who live alone, feel connected to the rest of society and can help reduce feelings of isolation.But the fee is not easily affordable to people who depend on the state pension for their income, particularly given rising energy bills and the soaring cost of food.A compassionate and sensible approach to licence fee enforcement is the least that our older citizens deserve.Rugby legend Mike Tindall will be surrounded by microphones as he attempts to survive the Australian outback.Married to our late Queen’s granddaughter, there’s undoubtedly plenty of gossip he could share about the Royal Family if he chose to.But we’re sure he’ll be the soul of discretion – and avoid following in the footsteps of his wife’s outspoken cousin, Prince Harry.