Eurotunnel to beef up security

The Eurotunnel will provide inner security measures to reduce illegal trafficking

LONDON, England -- Eurotunnel has been urged to impose stricter security measures against the stem of illegal immigrants using the channel tunnel as an entry point into Britain.

The call came just days after Anglo-French rail tunnel asked the French and British governments to take urgent action to stop the growing numbers of immigrants using the tunnel.

Britain's Immigration Minister Barbara Roche said: "Eurotunnel do need to increase their security and we welcome the fact they have said they will provide an inner cordon of security close to their platforms."

On Monday Eurotunnel reported losses of 1.135 billion francs ($158.5 million) due to disruption in their services from illegal trafficking.

Roche ruled out any sort of British military presence in France.

"The responsibility for security in France lies with the French authorities -- but the real issue here is about Eurotunnel securing their perimeter, which is not secure at the moment," she said.

Thousands of refugees from around the world try to cross illegally into Britain from France every year, many entering as stowaways in trains and lorries.

Roche said tighter security by ferry companies -- due to stricter penalties enforced by Britain -- had seen clandestine entries reduced by 44 percent.

But this move has led to more immigrants using the channel tunnel as an alternative.

"That is why Eurotunnel have to take action."

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac met earlier this month to discuss the issue of illegal cross-Channel immigration.

Formal asylum seeker applications totaled 76,000 in Britain last year -- up from about 4,000 a year a decade ago.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Eurotunnel
Barbara Roche

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