Around 80 migrants have landed in the UK this morning amid concerns that favourable weather conditions could lead to a significant number of crossings today.
Overnight Crossings
Dozens of asylum seekers set off from France overnight and were picked up by the Border Force cutter ‘Defender’ before disembarking at the Port of Dover, Kent. The arrivals come as Britain braces itself for the hottest day of the year, with temperatures expected to reach a high of 32°C in London.
Surge in Crossings
Today’s arrivals have sparked fears that human trafficking gangs will intensify their operations. This follows Labour’s decision to scrap the Conservative’s Rwanda deportation plan and the Bibby Stockholm migrant barge scheme.
Record Highs
Migrant crossings have already reached a record high this year, with 255 people making the journey on Sunday. This brings the total for the year so far to 16,457, according to the Home Office. With today’s arrivals, the figure is likely to surpass 16,500, breaking the previous record for the end of July of 16,420 in 2022, as well as last year’s total of 14,732.
Home Office Response
The Home Office has not yet released the figures for Monday’s crossings. These are expected later today, potentially increasing the total further.
Taunting and Policing Issues
Footage has emerged of migrants mocking Britain, shouting: “This is for Rishi Sunak.” French police reportedly stood by as groups set off from the northern coast. The rising numbers present a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer’s new Labour Government, which has scrapped the plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Dangerous Crossings
On Sunday, a so-called ‘taxi boat’ was seen leaving the harbour at Gravelines, near Dunkirk. One of the occupants shouted, “This is for Rishi Sunak,” perhaps referencing the former prime minister’s abandoned policy. The dinghy then headed back to the beach, where a large group of migrants, including women and children, waded into the water to board.
French police, funded with £100 million a year from UK taxpayers to “stop the boats,” have been instructed not to interfere with dinghies already afloat. Over the weekend, they focused on preventing children and family groups from reaching the water. Volunteers from refugee charity Utopia 56 were also present, offering assistance to those unable to board and monitoring police actions.
Tragic Incidents
Early on Sunday, one migrant died, and another 34 were rescued by French coastguards after a heavily loaded boat encountered difficulties.
Parliamentary Response
In the Commons, Reform UK MP Lee Anderson questioned the Home Secretary, asking: “Does the Home Secretary agree with me it’s time now to stop paying the French any more money until they stop being complicit in this evil trade?” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged the dangers of the crossings, citing the latest death and the need for a new Border Security Command to tackle the criminal gangs involved.
Government Statement
A Home Office spokesman said: “We all want to see an end to dangerous small boat crossings, which are undermining border security and putting lives at risk. The new Government is taking steps to boost our border security, setting up a new Border Security Command which will bring together our intelligence and enforcement agencies, equipped with new counter-terror-style powers and hundreds of personnel stationed in the UK and overseas, to smash the criminal smuggling gangs making millions in profit.
