Record migrants cross Channel to UK
World
Highest single-day figure since 2022 is 882
(AFP) - The highest single-day figure since 2022, a total of 882 people arrived by boat according to the UK’s Home Office.
Fifteen small boats made the journey from France during the early hours of Tuesday, suggesting an average of about 59 people per vessel.
Around 85 migrants were reportedly rescued by British Border Force vessels and RNLI lifeboats.
The arrivals come amid campaigning for a general election on 4 July during which immigration is a major issue.
Election promise
Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had pledged to "stop the boats" but has faced obstacles to plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.
“It’s desperately sad to see young children being put in these very dangerous situations, making these crossings, which illustrates why we have to stop the boats, something I’m determined to do and have a clear plan to do so,” Sunak said on Tuesday.
“If re-elected as Prime Minister, the flights will go to Rwanda, we will build that deterrent, removing the incentive for people to come here in the first place.
The latest Home Office figures show that 12,313 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year.
That's 18 percent higher than the equivalent point last year.
“We continue to work closely with our French partners to prevent crossings and save lives,” a Home Office spokesperson said.
More than 125,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel over the past six-and-a-half years.
