‘Landmark deal can help end this migrant chaos’

With tens of thousands of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats this year alone, it is clear that cooperation with France is needed. It is extremely encouraging, therefore, to learn that the Government is on the brink of confirming a landmark deal which will see British officers working closely with French counterparts.The current chaos, in which control of our borders appears to belong to criminal people traffickers, benefits nobody.And it is clear that while some of those arriving in the UK are fleeing persecution, many are attempting to come here for economic reasons.There’s nothing wrong with emigrating in order to make a better life for yourself or your family. Many British people, or their forefathers, did exactly that. But they did so legally and followed the rules.Indeed, legal migration continues today, even though it can be a difficult and complex process for those concerned. They should not be pushed aside by others who seek to jump the queue.Home Office officials have made it clear that some of those arriving on small boats are members of organised criminal gangs.It is time that the UK and France agreed to work more closely together to tackle the problem. Let us hope they succeed. It is time that the UK and France agreed to work more closely together to tackle the problem (Image: Getty)Dictator Vladimir Putin has suffered a huge blow as Ukrainian troops liberate Kherson, the country’s only Russian-occupied provincial capital.His dream of ending Ukraine’s existence as an independent country, fuelled by fantasies about a new Russian empire, lie in tatters. But we must be wary of thinking this conflict is over. Desperate to save face, Mr Putin will do all he can to avoid admitting defeat and allowing Russian troops to return to the safety of their homes.Among Ukraine’s allies, the danger is that an understandable desire to see the conflict end leads us to pressure Ukraine into making concessions to the Putin regime.Mr Putin must not be rewarded for the violence and misery he has inflicted on so many people.Remembrance Sunday is a time when we pay tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served their country so that we may live in freedom.This year will be marked by the absence of Queen Elizabeth.While Charles has laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on her behalf in the past, this will be the first time he does so in his own right as King.Her late Majesty, too, will be in our thoughts.