Sports Direct shareholders have delivered a bloody nose to Mike Ashley after they rejected the reappointment of its chairman to the board.
The company's Annual General Meeting saw 53% of independent investors vote against Keith Hellawell amid major criticism over working practices and the way the company is run.
But the chairman's position was safeguarded after Mr Ashley - the Newcastle United owner who owns 55% of Sports Direct - backed him.
Mr Hellawell said the vote was disappointing but denied that his position is now untenable, as he stood alongside the billionaire tycoon to face questions following the vote.
He said: "I think I am going to prove that I am competent."
The vote came after months of pressure from City institutions, concerned about a slump in Sports Direct's share price and the extent of Mr Ashley's control over the business.
Non-executive directors led by the chairman are supposed to keep the executives who run the company in check.
Billionaire tycoon Mr Ashley admitted that he was personally hurt by the criticism he faced from big investors but insisted he ought to be given another chance despite the setbacks.
"I am a man who gets some things very right and other things very wrong," he said.
"If I keep failing and keep failing and keep failing it will be best for everybody if I go.
"But let's give me some time to see if I can fix the problems first, please."
It was earlier revealed that the chairman had allready offered to resign but that this was rejected by the board.
The AGM has been told that Mr Hellawell - a former government drugs' tsar and chief constable of West Yorkshire - would quit next year if he failed to win significant support from investors.
Major investors in the sportswear giant including Standard Life Investments - its second-largest shareholder - voted against the company on key resolutions at the AGM.
The meeting at Sports Direct's headquarters in Shirebrook, Derbyshire, saw frayed tempers as Mr Ashley fought off criticism ofreforms to working practices announced by the company a day earlier.
Mr Ashley clashed with the Unite union, claiming it was trying to bash him as he tried to turn workers' conditions around, and adding: "It's your fault we're in this mess".
Later the businessman took journalists and investors on a tour of the company's Shirebrook site - including its controversial warehouse where he was left visibly embarrassed at security.
Mr Ashley was forced to empty his pockets - revealing a wad of £50 notes.
Sports Direct has been trying to appease unhappy investors who have seen its share price slump 55% in the past year as it faced allegations of Victorian working practices at Shirebrook.
A further downbeat update ahead of the AGM - forecasting that full-year profits were likely to be £80m lower than the year before - can hardly have helped.
Euan Stirling, head of stewardship and environmental, social and governance investment at Standard Life Investments, told the AGM that structural change was now required.
He called for a "full and independent review of governance at the company" and a commitment to act on it in the next twelve months
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Hauliers Slam Calais Wall To Stop Migrants As A 'Poor Use Of Taxpayer Money'
Hauliers have criticised plans for the UK to build a wall in Calais as part of arrangements to contain migrants.
The 13ft high barrier, which would stretch for one kilometre, will be constructed along the main motorway to the port in northern France.
It is expected to cost £1.9m and is being built as part of a £17m package of measures.
The aim is to add a further layer of protection against attempts to delay or attack vehicles approaching the port.
But Road Haulage Association chief executive Richard Burnett said: "This latest proposal ... would be a poor use of taxpayers' money."
He said the money to pay for a wall "would be much better spent on increasing security along the approach roads".
Steven McIntosh from Save the Children was also critical of the move, saying: "Desperate children and young people will try to escape the camp to reach safety and a better life.
"It's vital that we ensure any security measures put in place in Calais don't put their lives at risk by pushing them into the arms of smugglers and people traffickers."
Lorry driver Andrew Lavender told Sky News: "Better than that (a wall), give us a few soldiers to protect us going into port, with a number to get help fast and a secure area so we can check our vehicles without the threat of being fined."
On Tuesday Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill confirmed plans to build a "big new wall".
He told the Home Affairs select committee: "The security that we are putting in at the port is being stepped up with better equipment.
"We are going to start building this big new wall very soon. We've done the fence, now we are doing a wall."
Earlier this week, lorry drivers, shopkeepers, farmers and police officers took part in a blockade of the main motorway in Calais.
They demanded the "Jungle" migrant camp outside Calais be demolished.
The camp is home to 9,000 migrants living in squalid tents and makeshift shelters.
The migrants have been throwing objects at vehicles travelling to the port to slow traffic, so they can get on to lorries bound for the UK.
A Sky Data poll reveals that 63% of people surveyed believe Britain should take fewer refugees, a 16% increase from a year ago.
A total of 66% said they would not be willing for more refugees to move to their local area.
The announcement of the wall comes as figures released last month showed that net long-term migration stood at an estimated 327,000 in the year to March.
Mr Goodwill insisted the Government remained committed to its target of reducing that total to the tens of thousands.
He said: "The big challenge is our target which is to reduce immigration to sustainable levels. Sustainable levels means in the tens of thousands."
The 13ft high barrier, which would stretch for one kilometre, will be constructed along the main motorway to the port in northern France.
It is expected to cost £1.9m and is being built as part of a £17m package of measures.
The aim is to add a further layer of protection against attempts to delay or attack vehicles approaching the port.
But Road Haulage Association chief executive Richard Burnett said: "This latest proposal ... would be a poor use of taxpayers' money."
He said the money to pay for a wall "would be much better spent on increasing security along the approach roads".
Steven McIntosh from Save the Children was also critical of the move, saying: "Desperate children and young people will try to escape the camp to reach safety and a better life.
"It's vital that we ensure any security measures put in place in Calais don't put their lives at risk by pushing them into the arms of smugglers and people traffickers."
Lorry driver Andrew Lavender told Sky News: "Better than that (a wall), give us a few soldiers to protect us going into port, with a number to get help fast and a secure area so we can check our vehicles without the threat of being fined."
On Tuesday Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill confirmed plans to build a "big new wall".
He told the Home Affairs select committee: "The security that we are putting in at the port is being stepped up with better equipment.
"We are going to start building this big new wall very soon. We've done the fence, now we are doing a wall."
Earlier this week, lorry drivers, shopkeepers, farmers and police officers took part in a blockade of the main motorway in Calais.
They demanded the "Jungle" migrant camp outside Calais be demolished.
The camp is home to 9,000 migrants living in squalid tents and makeshift shelters.
The migrants have been throwing objects at vehicles travelling to the port to slow traffic, so they can get on to lorries bound for the UK.
A Sky Data poll reveals that 63% of people surveyed believe Britain should take fewer refugees, a 16% increase from a year ago.
A total of 66% said they would not be willing for more refugees to move to their local area.
The announcement of the wall comes as figures released last month showed that net long-term migration stood at an estimated 327,000 in the year to March.
Mr Goodwill insisted the Government remained committed to its target of reducing that total to the tens of thousands.
He said: "The big challenge is our target which is to reduce immigration to sustainable levels. Sustainable levels means in the tens of thousands."
Theresa May: No 'Running Commentary' On Brexit Negotiations
Theresa May insisted she would not give a "running commentary" on Brexit negotiations, as she refused to say whether she wanted the UK to stay in the European single market.
The Prime Minister was repeatedly challenged to confirm whether Britain would remain a part of the single market once negotiations on leaving the European Union concluded.
But Mrs May gave little away at her first Prime Minister's Questions since Parliament returned from the summer recess.
While the PM said she wanted control over the movement of people from the EU to the UK and the "right deal" for trade, Mrs May told MPs the Government would not "reveal our hand prematurely" or comment on "every twist and turn".
It comes after the PM distanced herself from Brexit Secretary David Davis' suggestion it was "very improbable" the UK can regain control over its own borders while staying in the single market.
The apparent rebuke sparked concerns ministers are "confused" and cannot agree policy on leaving the EU.
Mrs May was challenged by the Scottish National Party's Westminster leader Angus Robertson to say whether she wanted the UK to stay in the single market.
Mr Robertson claimed that so far the Government had only come up with "waffle" about the post-Brexit plan.
Mrs May said: "What I want for the UK is that we put into practice the vote that was taken by the people of the UK to leave the EU, that we get the right deal for the trade in goods and services with the EU in a new relationship that we will be building with them and that we also introduce control of the movement of people from the European Union into the UK."
Mrs May insisted that "we are respecting the views of the British people" rather than attempting to row back from Brexit.
She added: "We will be seizing the opportunities that leaving the EU now gives us to forge a new role for the UK in the world".
Mr Robertson repeated his challenge to the PM to give an "in or an out answer" to the question.
Mrs May told him: "In looking at negotiations it would not be right for me or this Government to give a running commentary on negotiations."
She added: "It would not be right for us to prejudge those negotiations.
"We will be ensuring that we seize the opportunities for growth and prosperity across the whole UK, including growth and prosperity in Scotland."
Jeremy Corbyn accused the Government of issuing "contradictory messages" on Brexit which were exacerbating "huge uncertainty" about the UK's future.
The PM was pursuing a "free trade dogma" rather than a trade policy which would protect people and jobs, the Labour leader told MPs.
A senior Corbyn aide later said he was in favour of negotiating full UK access to the single market, but would not accept a package including requirements on deregulation and privatisation, which he regarded as damaging to working people and public services.
The Prime Minister was repeatedly challenged to confirm whether Britain would remain a part of the single market once negotiations on leaving the European Union concluded.
But Mrs May gave little away at her first Prime Minister's Questions since Parliament returned from the summer recess.
While the PM said she wanted control over the movement of people from the EU to the UK and the "right deal" for trade, Mrs May told MPs the Government would not "reveal our hand prematurely" or comment on "every twist and turn".
It comes after the PM distanced herself from Brexit Secretary David Davis' suggestion it was "very improbable" the UK can regain control over its own borders while staying in the single market.
The apparent rebuke sparked concerns ministers are "confused" and cannot agree policy on leaving the EU.
Mrs May was challenged by the Scottish National Party's Westminster leader Angus Robertson to say whether she wanted the UK to stay in the single market.
Mr Robertson claimed that so far the Government had only come up with "waffle" about the post-Brexit plan.
Mrs May said: "What I want for the UK is that we put into practice the vote that was taken by the people of the UK to leave the EU, that we get the right deal for the trade in goods and services with the EU in a new relationship that we will be building with them and that we also introduce control of the movement of people from the European Union into the UK."
Mrs May insisted that "we are respecting the views of the British people" rather than attempting to row back from Brexit.
She added: "We will be seizing the opportunities that leaving the EU now gives us to forge a new role for the UK in the world".
Mr Robertson repeated his challenge to the PM to give an "in or an out answer" to the question.
Mrs May told him: "In looking at negotiations it would not be right for me or this Government to give a running commentary on negotiations."
She added: "It would not be right for us to prejudge those negotiations.
"We will be ensuring that we seize the opportunities for growth and prosperity across the whole UK, including growth and prosperity in Scotland."
Jeremy Corbyn accused the Government of issuing "contradictory messages" on Brexit which were exacerbating "huge uncertainty" about the UK's future.
The PM was pursuing a "free trade dogma" rather than a trade policy which would protect people and jobs, the Labour leader told MPs.
A senior Corbyn aide later said he was in favour of negotiating full UK access to the single market, but would not accept a package including requirements on deregulation and privatisation, which he regarded as damaging to working people and public services.
British Florist's Picture Used In Islamic State Propaganda Magazine
A florist has described his shock after being featured in an Islamic State propaganda magazine which calls on jihadis to "strike terror into the heart of disbelievers".
A photo of Stephen Leyland, 64, appears in Rumiyah alongside a caption that encourages supporters to take "even the blood of a merry Crusader citizen selling flowers to passersby".
Rumiyah also lists businessmen on their way to work, teenagers playing sports and old men buying lunch as "fair game".
Counter-terrorism police have interviewed Mr Leyland after the magazine emerged online.
"It has come as a bit of a shock," he told The Times. "When I was first contacted I thought it was a wind-up.
"I really don't know what to do. I'm not scared but I am concerned that the photo is in this magazine."
The image of the florist is believed to have been lifted from the internet.
Mr Leyland, from Cheshire, added: "I don't know any jihadis.
"My customers are the Alderley Edge crowd, footballers' wives and those sort of people.
"They (counter-terrorism police) said that the Foreign Secretary had asked about it."
It comes less than a fortnight after IS released a video which purportedly shows a British boy killing a prisoner in Syria.
The first edition of Rumiyah, published on Monday, also called on jihadis to target Melbourne and Sydney.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said it was a "disturbing reminder" of the threat of a terror attack in his country.
He said: "The capacity of Daesh, of course, is much less than they proclaim it to be but we do have to be very alert to the actions of these lone actors.
"Every time there is a terrorist incident, wherever it is in the world, we learn as much as we can about it and then take those learnings to keep Australians more safe."
Officials say they have stopped 10 terror attacks in Australia in the last two years.
A photo of Stephen Leyland, 64, appears in Rumiyah alongside a caption that encourages supporters to take "even the blood of a merry Crusader citizen selling flowers to passersby".
Rumiyah also lists businessmen on their way to work, teenagers playing sports and old men buying lunch as "fair game".
Counter-terrorism police have interviewed Mr Leyland after the magazine emerged online.
"It has come as a bit of a shock," he told The Times. "When I was first contacted I thought it was a wind-up.
"I really don't know what to do. I'm not scared but I am concerned that the photo is in this magazine."
The image of the florist is believed to have been lifted from the internet.
Mr Leyland, from Cheshire, added: "I don't know any jihadis.
"My customers are the Alderley Edge crowd, footballers' wives and those sort of people.
"They (counter-terrorism police) said that the Foreign Secretary had asked about it."
It comes less than a fortnight after IS released a video which purportedly shows a British boy killing a prisoner in Syria.
The first edition of Rumiyah, published on Monday, also called on jihadis to target Melbourne and Sydney.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said it was a "disturbing reminder" of the threat of a terror attack in his country.
He said: "The capacity of Daesh, of course, is much less than they proclaim it to be but we do have to be very alert to the actions of these lone actors.
"Every time there is a terrorist incident, wherever it is in the world, we learn as much as we can about it and then take those learnings to keep Australians more safe."
Officials say they have stopped 10 terror attacks in Australia in the last two years.
Man Arrested After Five-Day-Old Baby 'Punched In Face' In Supermarket
A man has been arrested after a five-day-old baby was allegedly punched in the face in a supermarket.
Elsie Rose was on her first outing with her parents, Amy Duckers and Lewis Temple, and her seven-year-old sister, Libby.
The family was at the Tesco store in Baguley, Greater Manchester, and were showing her off to friends when it is alleged a man came over and punched Elsie, leaving a "very big fist mark" on the baby's forehead, according to Ms Duckers.
Elsie, who weighs 6lb 12oz (3kg), was kept overnight in hospital but is not thought to have been seriously injured.
While the "mortified" parents alerted security at the store, the suspect apologised, saying he thought the baby was a doll.
Ms Duckers praised the supermarket staff on her Facebook page for the way they handled the situation.
"Thank you so much to Baguley Tesco for all you did tonight," she wrote.
"You were all amazing thank you so much for the way you dealt with the situation and treated us all."
Greater Manchester police confirmed a man had been arrested.
"Police were called shortly before 6.45pm to a supermarket on Altrincham Road in Baguley, 5 September 2016, to reports of a child having been hit," a spokesman said.
"The baby girl was taken to hospital as a precaution and has since been discharged.
"A 63-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and is currently in custody being questioned by officers."
Elsie Rose was on her first outing with her parents, Amy Duckers and Lewis Temple, and her seven-year-old sister, Libby.
The family was at the Tesco store in Baguley, Greater Manchester, and were showing her off to friends when it is alleged a man came over and punched Elsie, leaving a "very big fist mark" on the baby's forehead, according to Ms Duckers.
Elsie, who weighs 6lb 12oz (3kg), was kept overnight in hospital but is not thought to have been seriously injured.
While the "mortified" parents alerted security at the store, the suspect apologised, saying he thought the baby was a doll.
Ms Duckers praised the supermarket staff on her Facebook page for the way they handled the situation.
"Thank you so much to Baguley Tesco for all you did tonight," she wrote.
"You were all amazing thank you so much for the way you dealt with the situation and treated us all."
Greater Manchester police confirmed a man had been arrested.
"Police were called shortly before 6.45pm to a supermarket on Altrincham Road in Baguley, 5 September 2016, to reports of a child having been hit," a spokesman said.
"The baby girl was taken to hospital as a precaution and has since been discharged.
"A 63-year-old was arrested on suspicion of assault and is currently in custody being questioned by officers."
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Apple expected to unveil new iPhone 7
Wednesday is a big day in the tech world. Apple is holding its annual launch event where the new iPhone 7 is expected to be revealed.
The much-heralded device comes just as rival Samsung has recalled its flagship Note 7 over battery issues.
The tech rumour mill has been running at fever pitch about possible new iPhone features and gadgetry.
Many commentators expect Apple to have ditched the headphone jack, leaving only one port.
That would force consumers to use Bluetooth headphones or buy those compatible with Apple's Lightning port that is also used for charging.
However, old gear won't be completely obsolete, as Apple is expected to include an adapter jack.
Major innovations?
Recent updates of the iPhone have struggled to make a really big splash as they have lacked major innovations.
The speculation is it will be the same with the model due to be revealed on Wednesday in San Francisco. More of the same - just a little bit better.
Camera quality is expected to be improved and this time round the upgrade might mean a two-lens clicker for some of the bigger models.
A dual-lens camera can take pictures with two different exposures, then combine the two images for improved picture quality.
Analysis: Dave Lee, North America Technology correspondent
Another year, another iPhone. But then, it's hardly just been "another year" for Apple, has it?
Since last September, when we saw the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, the tech giant's world has been turned upside down. A war over encryption, a declining iPhone, a continuing struggle in China and, most recently, the tax bill to end all tax bills.
Distractions, lots of them. And it doesn't look like the new iPhone is going to deflect much of that attention away.
While we're used to saying "evolution, not revolution" in the smartphone market, this upgrade is not expected to turn many heads nor send customers running to the phone shop to upgrade.
If, as we expect, the headphone jack is removed from the device, expect a lot of anger from those who don't want to be ushered into buying wireless headphones.
Then again, Apple faced the same kind of anger when it rolled out the smaller "lightning" charging port, but everyone's just about got over that. Take a look at the "old" Apple charger and tell me it doesn't look almost comically massive. In hindsight, the right call.
A better camera would go down extremely well - more photographs are taken with iPhones than any other device. But some reported leaks suggest only the larger, less popular iPhone size will get the new camera technology.
Looking a bit further ahead, some are speculating that Apple is holding back this time around, instead saving new features for 2017 and what will be the iPhone's 10th anniversary.
Other expected changes would be improved memory, turning the home button into a touch sensor and better speakers.
The new phone is also said to be water resistant, handling submersion for up to 30 minutes - a feature already offered by several of Apple's Android competitors from the likes of Samsung or Sony.
Apple is thought to be sticking with its two sizes, meaning there would be an iPhone 7 and an iPhone 7 Plus.
Neither is the design thought to be changing much, giving it the same overall look as the current models.
Rumour has it there will be more colours available, for instance reintroducing black as an option.
While the new models will be revealed to the world at the launch, consumers will have to wait a few weeks before they are shipped. Pre-orders are expected to open on Friday.
The timing still is crucial. Samsung beat Apple by releasing its Galaxy Note 7 last month. The device was well received by users and critics alike and started selling well.
But then reports about batteries heating up and sparking some fires prompted Samsung to launch an embarrassing recall last week - just days before the new iPhone makes its debut.
While Samsung's battery problems might tilt some prospective buyers toward the iPhone 7, Apple depends on the ongoing success of its smartphones as they have become its biggest source of revenue.
And after recent bad publicity ranging from issues around security flaws to tax problems, the world's most valuable listed company hopes the iPhone will be a hit.
The much-heralded device comes just as rival Samsung has recalled its flagship Note 7 over battery issues.
The tech rumour mill has been running at fever pitch about possible new iPhone features and gadgetry.
Many commentators expect Apple to have ditched the headphone jack, leaving only one port.
That would force consumers to use Bluetooth headphones or buy those compatible with Apple's Lightning port that is also used for charging.
However, old gear won't be completely obsolete, as Apple is expected to include an adapter jack.
Major innovations?
Recent updates of the iPhone have struggled to make a really big splash as they have lacked major innovations.
The speculation is it will be the same with the model due to be revealed on Wednesday in San Francisco. More of the same - just a little bit better.
Camera quality is expected to be improved and this time round the upgrade might mean a two-lens clicker for some of the bigger models.
A dual-lens camera can take pictures with two different exposures, then combine the two images for improved picture quality.
Analysis: Dave Lee, North America Technology correspondent
Another year, another iPhone. But then, it's hardly just been "another year" for Apple, has it?
Since last September, when we saw the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, the tech giant's world has been turned upside down. A war over encryption, a declining iPhone, a continuing struggle in China and, most recently, the tax bill to end all tax bills.
Distractions, lots of them. And it doesn't look like the new iPhone is going to deflect much of that attention away.
While we're used to saying "evolution, not revolution" in the smartphone market, this upgrade is not expected to turn many heads nor send customers running to the phone shop to upgrade.
If, as we expect, the headphone jack is removed from the device, expect a lot of anger from those who don't want to be ushered into buying wireless headphones.
Then again, Apple faced the same kind of anger when it rolled out the smaller "lightning" charging port, but everyone's just about got over that. Take a look at the "old" Apple charger and tell me it doesn't look almost comically massive. In hindsight, the right call.
A better camera would go down extremely well - more photographs are taken with iPhones than any other device. But some reported leaks suggest only the larger, less popular iPhone size will get the new camera technology.
Looking a bit further ahead, some are speculating that Apple is holding back this time around, instead saving new features for 2017 and what will be the iPhone's 10th anniversary.
Other expected changes would be improved memory, turning the home button into a touch sensor and better speakers.
The new phone is also said to be water resistant, handling submersion for up to 30 minutes - a feature already offered by several of Apple's Android competitors from the likes of Samsung or Sony.
Apple is thought to be sticking with its two sizes, meaning there would be an iPhone 7 and an iPhone 7 Plus.
Neither is the design thought to be changing much, giving it the same overall look as the current models.
Rumour has it there will be more colours available, for instance reintroducing black as an option.
While the new models will be revealed to the world at the launch, consumers will have to wait a few weeks before they are shipped. Pre-orders are expected to open on Friday.
The timing still is crucial. Samsung beat Apple by releasing its Galaxy Note 7 last month. The device was well received by users and critics alike and started selling well.
But then reports about batteries heating up and sparking some fires prompted Samsung to launch an embarrassing recall last week - just days before the new iPhone makes its debut.
While Samsung's battery problems might tilt some prospective buyers toward the iPhone 7, Apple depends on the ongoing success of its smartphones as they have become its biggest source of revenue.
And after recent bad publicity ranging from issues around security flaws to tax problems, the world's most valuable listed company hopes the iPhone will be a hit.
UK To Build 13ft High Wall To Contain Migrants At Calais
Britain is to build a "big new wall" at Calais as part of arrangements to contain migrants, a minister has confirmed.
The 13ft high barrier, which would stretch for one kilometre, is the latest in a number of measures to beef up security at the port.
Immigration minister Robert Goodwill told the Commons Home Affairs committee: "We are going to start building this big new wall very soon.
"We've done the fence, now we are doing a wall."
Earlier this week, lorry drivers, shopkeepers, farmers and police officers took part in a blockade of the main motorway in Calais.
They demanded that the "Jungle" migrant camp outside Calais is demolished.
The camp is home to some 9,000 migrants living in squalid tents and makeshift shelters.
The migrants have been throwing objects at vehicles travelling to the port to slow traffic, so they can get on to lorries bound for the UK.
Construction of the wall is expected to begin as soon as this month and could cost taxpayers £2m, the Daily Telegraph reported.
It would be placed on either side of the main dual carriageway to the ferry port to prevent migrants from trying to climb into lorries and stop traffic.
It comes as figures released last month showed that net long-term migration stood at an estimated 327,000 in the year to March.
Mr Goodwill insisted the Government remains committed to its target of reducing that total to the tens of thousands.
He said: "The big challenge is our target which is to reduce immigration to sustainable levels. Sustainable levels means in the tens of thousands."
The 13ft high barrier, which would stretch for one kilometre, is the latest in a number of measures to beef up security at the port.
Immigration minister Robert Goodwill told the Commons Home Affairs committee: "We are going to start building this big new wall very soon.
"We've done the fence, now we are doing a wall."
Earlier this week, lorry drivers, shopkeepers, farmers and police officers took part in a blockade of the main motorway in Calais.
They demanded that the "Jungle" migrant camp outside Calais is demolished.
The camp is home to some 9,000 migrants living in squalid tents and makeshift shelters.
The migrants have been throwing objects at vehicles travelling to the port to slow traffic, so they can get on to lorries bound for the UK.
Construction of the wall is expected to begin as soon as this month and could cost taxpayers £2m, the Daily Telegraph reported.
It would be placed on either side of the main dual carriageway to the ferry port to prevent migrants from trying to climb into lorries and stop traffic.
It comes as figures released last month showed that net long-term migration stood at an estimated 327,000 in the year to March.
Mr Goodwill insisted the Government remains committed to its target of reducing that total to the tens of thousands.
He said: "The big challenge is our target which is to reduce immigration to sustainable levels. Sustainable levels means in the tens of thousands."
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