He was quoted as saying: "We are guarding the border for the British people. Therefore you would expect to receive thanks rather than complaints."

In a speech this month, Rishi Sunak claimed small boat crossings have lowered by 20 p.c within the 5 months since he launched his plan to deal with individuals smugglers.  

"This is the first time since this problem began that arrivals between January and May have actually fallen compared to the year before," he mentioned.

A Home Office spokesman advised the Mail Online: "We are focused on stopping the boats and we will use all the technology available to us to ensure no stone is left unturned as we go after the criminals behind this illegal trade."