Boost in battle to stop Channel migrants as Germany vows to tighten laws to thwart supply and storage of small boats

GERMANY last night pledged to tighten their laws to thwart the supply and storage of small boats.

A legal loophole means authorities are unable to seize dangerous inflatable dinghies earmarked for illegal Channel crossings.

But on a visit to London, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser committed to bear down on smuggling gangs by changing the law.

After signing a Joint Action Plan with Yvette Cooper for greater security cooperation, she said: “It will help us end the inhumane activities of criminal migrant smuggling organisations.

“By cramming people into inflatable boats under threats of violence and sending them across the Channel, these organisations put human lives at risk.”

Ms Cooper said: “Germany is already a key partner in our efforts to crack down on migrant smuggling, but there is always more we can do together.”

However the change hinges on the next German government following through, with incumbent chancellor Olaf Sholz widely expected to lose next year’s elections.

Home Secretary Ms Cooper will chair a meeting of the migration-focused Calais Group in London today, consisting of Britain, Germany, France, Netherlands and Belgium.