MPs have reacted strongly in favour of controversial plans to curb Channel crossings.

Elected leaders in the conurbation have backed the home secretary’s new illegal migration bill to deter migrants arriving into the UK on small boats.

Conor Burns, Conservative MP for Bournemouth West, said he “strongly” welcomes the announcement, noting illegal immigration “has to stop”.

Mr Burns told the Daily Echo: “For too long too many have been exploited by ruthless people smugglers to bring people illegally leaving the British taxpayer to pick up the tab.

“This is especially visible locally with hotels that were part of our tourist economy out of action to house asylum seekers. This has to stop.

“This country has always had a tradition of welcoming those feeling genuine persecution and danger. We don't have a tradition of being taken for mugs.”

“I'm pleased we are at long last taking action to bring the curtain down on this farce.”

Robert Syms, Conservative MP for Poole, said he was “very supportive” of the new bill, and described how immigration was “one of the biggest issues” he had come across in his constituency.

Mr Syms told the Daily Echo: “There is a lot of people who legitimately fill out forms, pay fees, get sponsors and go through the process, and then somebody arrives on a boat who has no right to be here, and disappears- that undermines all those who actually follow the rules.

“We have to have some controls otherwise half the world would move here, and we have to stop people arriving on boats.

“What it is largely about is putting people off. The simple truth is that if people think that when they arrive, they’ll be sent back, and will be barred from coming back to the country, then I think a lot of them will go elsewhere.”

Mr Syms added that he didn’t believe illegal immigration could ever be stopped, but that reducing it would “reassure” taxpayers as to where their money is going.

Tobias Ellwood, the Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, said: “I am pleased my call for the utility of ex-military bases for accommodation is now being pursued rather than housing asylum seekers in town centre hotels.

“There remains a lot of practical details to address if this is to work, but the PM is committed to making this a priority.”

The Daily Echo approached MPs across the conurbation to ask their views.