Over 5,000 migrants have made the perilous journey across Channel this year
A RECORD 5,000 migrants have crossed the Channel this year — heaping pressure on tough-talking Priti Patel to crack down on people smugglers.
The total is more than double the 2,126 who arrived by this time last year.
A further 80 came yesterday, taking the 2021 figure to 5,114.
The Home Secretary blames people smugglers taking advantage of the summer weather, which makes the 21-mile Channel crossing easier.
She has pledged tough measures but is now under pressure to cut the flow of small boats.
The French authorities intercepted three crossing attempts yesterday involving 46 people.
Most read in Politics
A Home Office spokesman said: “We have redoubled efforts with French authorities by increasing beach patrols, intelligence sharing and investment in surveillance.
“We have seen over 5,000 people being prevented by the French from making the dangerous crossing so far this year.
“But to close this lethal route we must fix the broken system through our New Plan for Immigration, which will be firm on those who abuse the system.”
Alp Mehmet, Chairman of Migration Watch UK, said: “This is shocking. If it continues at this rate, there will be well over 20,000 illegal arrivals by the end of the year.
"And it seems the Home Office are powerless to do anything about it.
"This should concern us all.”