Immigration Officers in Rye

[seahermit]

Yesterday I followed the Military Canal across the marshes from Pett Level to Rye Harbour - beautiful day and the whole area was very peaceful and full of wildlife.

But a shock as I picked up my fish and chips in Rye and headed for a seat on Strand Quay - two huge mini-buses (what in London we used to call "meat wagons"!) filled with uniformed men were cruising around the centre of town, the sides of the vehicles were emblazoned with "Home Office Immigration Control". Clearly there is a problem (it is everywhere of course) - people must be slipping in on the numerous boats and some of them are getting through.

I have felt for a long time that the authorities have to some extent lost control of the situation, I think it very likely that the actual number of illegal immigrants living (and working) in the UK is far in excess of the official figures. From time to time the authorities find them - labouring without pay for Traveller communities!