A total of 509 migrants crossed the English Channel on Sunday in 10 boats, according to the latest figures released by the Home Office. This news comes in the wake of a tragic incident on Saturday, where a boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of France, resulting in the deaths of at least six people.
The total number of migrants who have crossed the English Channel in the past three days alone has exceeded 1,600, bringing the year’s total to over 16,600. The ongoing surge has intensified calls for action to address the situation and prevent further loss of life.
The UK Government’s immigration strategy, including its “stop the boats” pledge, has faced renewed pressure following Saturday’s fatal incident. Cabinet ministers have been defending the approach while facing criticism from various quarters, including Tory MPs.
At least six people died and 58 were rescued off the coast of Sangatte, France, after their boat got into difficulty. The vessel had originally carried around 65 people before it began to sink, leading to a passing ship raising the alarm.
The incident has prompted discussions about the effectiveness of measures to deter criminal people-smuggling gangs and the urgent need for more safe routes to the UK. Critics argue that the deaths are an “appalling and preventable tragedy” that underscore the importance of addressing the root causes of irregular migration and improving asylum processing times.
While some boats have been intercepted, the crossings remain a challenge, according to Wales Secretary David TC Davis. He acknowledged that the problem requires ongoing efforts, and called for a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue.
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed the need for action to deter criminal gangs involved in facilitating the dangerous journeys. Campaigners are advocating for the creation of more safe routes to prevent further loss of life.
The tragic incident follows a series of announcements on immigration policy, with concerns being raised about the handling of asylum seekers. Despite the challenges, the UK Government intends to continue its efforts to address the situation, including hiring more barges and utilising alternative forms of accommodation.
