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Australian activists alarmed by Britain’s response to refugee boats

AUSTRALIAN refugee advocates are alarmed at reports that Britain’s military could be deployed to deal with the small number of refugee boats leaving France.

They were reacting to comments made by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson on Sunday that “our navy, air force and army stand ready to assist.”

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has now sent two more Border Force cutters, which had been in operation in Greece, to the Channel to help deter and disrupt refugee crossings, he announced on Monday, although he has not yet called in the armed forces.

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