Over 1,000 Migrants Make Historic Crossing of the English Channel in Just One Day

More than 1,100 migrants crossed the English Channel to the UK on Saturday, marking the highest daily total this year. According to the Home Office, 1,194 people made the journey in 18 small boats.

This surge brings the total number of migrants to over 14,800 so far this year. That’s a striking 42% increase compared to last year and nearly double the number from the same time in 2023. Last year, almost 37,000 people attempted the crossing, and in 2022, that number peaked at over 45,000.

On Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Defence Secretary John Healey voiced his concerns, stating that the UK has “lost control of its borders” over the last five years. He described the scenes of migrants being picked up by smugglers as “shocking,” similar to a taxi service.

Healey mentioned that a new agreement with French authorities is in place. This aims to change how they handle migrant rescues. According to him, the focus is now on intercepting smugglers before they can embark on their journey across the Channel.

The fight against people-smuggling gangs is ongoing. A Home Office spokesperson emphasized the need to dismantle these networks, stating that these gangs care little for the lives they endanger. They plan to act at every stage of the smuggling process to protect vulnerable individuals.

Historically, the Channel crossing has been fraught with danger, and the current situation reflects a wider challenge faced by many European nations in managing migration. As the crisis unfolds, discussions continue on how to effectively tackle the root causes and improve border security.

For further details, the UK Government’s Home Office provides resources and updates on the issue.



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