Small Boat Crossings Surge: Over 12,000 Migrants in 2024
More than 800 people made the dangerous Channel crossing in small boats last week alone. This month, 2,595 migrants have crossed from France, pushing the total for 2024 to a staggering 12,159.
This figure is more than double the number from the same period last year, showing a massive surge in attempts. To put it in perspective, 2020 saw around 8,400 migrants cross, while 2021’s total topped 28,000.
UK’s Rwanda Deportation Plan Faces Hurdles
The UK government’s controversial plan to fly some asylum seekers to Rwanda as part of a five-year trial hit a major snag. The first deportation flight scheduled for June 14 was abruptly cancelled following a last-minute intervention by the European Court of Human Rights.
A full judicial review is now set for July to decide on the legality of the partnership. A Downing Street spokesman said: “The High Court will then rule on the legality of the partnership. Work will continue, and preparations for future flights are already underway.”
Home Office Admits Uncertainty Over Deterrent Impact
On Wednesday, Home Office official Matthew Rycroft told the Home Affairs Committee it was “impossible” to say how many migrants must be sent to Rwanda to stop Channel crossings.
He revealed extensive “modelling” has been done but cautioned against using the number of deportees as the scheme’s success measure. Instead, he said:
“The scheme’s success should be measured by the number of journeys avoided.”
With crossings skyrocketing and legal battles looming, the Channel migration crisis shows no signs of easing up.
