Nineteen suspected terrorists entered the UK on small boats crossing the English Channel lat year, according to reports.
It has been claimed that a number of foreign nationals linked to terror groups oversees arrived in the UK illegally via the Dover Strait in 2022.
It has been claimed that a number of foreign nationals linked to terror groups oversees arrived in the UK illegally
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According to the Daily Mail, many of the group have since launched asylum claims.
It means that officials cannot remove the individuals while their case is heard by the courts.
Of the 19 men, seven are thought to have already been under "active investigation" in other countries
PA
The 19 men are all thought to now be living in hotels at the expense of UK taxpayers.
A security source told the publication: "It's a real problem and not something we're able to easily stop.
"Once they're here we can monitor them and limit any potential threat they pose but it adds to the overall surveillance burden."
Of the 19 men, seven are thought to have already been under "active investigation" in other countries prior to their arrival in Britain.
Natalie Elphicke, the Tory MP for Dover, said: "People will rightly be concerned that terror suspects have been able to enter our country in small boats and not be detained. It's a national scandal.
"This raises serious issues of national security.
"Ministers must urgently review this situation and make sure that public protection always comes first."
A record number of migrants crossed the Channel to the UK from mainland Europe in 2022.
More than 45,000 people made the journey on small boats last year
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More than 45,000 people made the journey on small boats.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "Our highest priority is protecting the safety and security of this country, which is why the UK has world-class police, security and intelligence agencies and a robust counter-terrorism framework.
"If an individual of national security interest entered the UK as an illegal migrant, we would take the firmest possible steps, which could include removal, action by law enforcement or other appropriate measures.
"As the Prime Minister has said, this Government is focussed on stopping small boats, and the Illegal Migration Bill will enable us to take back control of our borders and ensure we have an asylum system that is fair, safe and legal."
