Number of migrants crossing the Channel was SIX TIMES higher last month than in October 2020, figures show - despite Priti Patel’s vows to clamp down

  • A mere 475 made the crossing in October 2020, compared to 2,669 last month
  • Increase means a total of 19,741 migrants have made the crossing so far this year
  • The Home Office revealed the French authorities intercepted 15,000 crossings
  • September saw the highest monthly total with 3,879 making the journey

By Jonathan Rose For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

There was nearly a sixfold increase in the number of migrants crossing the Channel compared to October last year, latest Home Office figures have revealed.

A mere 475 made the crossing in October 2020, compared to 2,669 that made the journey despite poor weather conditions last month.

The massive increase means that a total of 19,741 migrants have made the crossing so far this year, double the 8,420 that arrived in the whole of 2020.

There was a sixfold increase in the number of migrants crossing the Channel compared to October last year, latest Home Office figures have revealed

There was a sixfold increase in the number of migrants crossing the Channel compared to October last year, latest Home Office figures have revealed

A mere 475 made the crossing in October 2020, compared to 2,669 that made the journey despite poor weather conditions last month

A mere 475 made the crossing in October 2020, compared to 2,669 that made the journey despite poor weather conditions last month

The massive increase means that a total of 19,741 migrants have made the crossing so far this year, double the 8,420 that arrived in the whole of 2020

The massive increase means that a total of 19,741 migrants have made the crossing so far this year, double the 8,420 that arrived in the whole of 2020

The Home Office revealed the French authorities intercepted 15,000 crossings with an interception rate of 43 per cent. 

September saw the highest monthly total with 3,879 migrants making the dangerous crossing.

It is estimated that the annual total could reach 22,000, triple that of last year, it was reported in the Times.

There are allegedly around 2,000 migrants near Calais waiting for people smugglers. 

Many are living in 'desperate' conditions as the cold winter months approach and are risking their lives daily trying to board dinghies and lorries. 

The UK’s clandestine Channel threat commander, Dan O’Mahoney, said: 'These dangerous, illegal and unnecessary crossings are facilitated by violent criminal gangs profiting from misery, and more people will die as long as they continue. 

'We are working with the French to stop boats leaving their beaches and crack down on the criminals driving these crossings.

'Our broken asylum system acts as a magnet for illegal migrants. The government’s new plan for immigration will fix the system, making it firm on those who abuse it and fair on those in genuine need.'

It comes after dozens of migrants landed in Kent in mid-October after crossing the Channel in dinghies.

Three dinghies made their way to British shores, two of which were escorted by the RNLI and border patrol to Dungeness and the third was returned to Dover.

Upon their arrival, the group of around 60 migrants were immediately detained by police stationed on the beach.

September saw the highest monthly total with 3,879 migrants making the dangerous crossing

September saw the highest monthly total with 3,879 migrants making the dangerous crossing

Priti Patel wants to grant Border Force officers immunity from prosecution if migrants die during her new operation to 'turn back' small boats crossing the Channel.

The Home Secretary has previously approved the plan which would see migrants boats intercepted and turned back to France by officers on jet skis.

Currently, sailors are obliged to rescue 'a person in distress at sea' under international maritime laws and failure to do so could result in up to two years in prison.

But the government is trying to pass the Nationality and Borders Bill through Parliament, which would give Border Force officials immunity from prosecution during the 'turnback' operations.

The plans have been criticised by opposition MPs, and charities, while France has branded the tactics 'illegal'.

Border Force currently has existing powers to intercept migrant boats attempting to cross the Channel once they reach UK waters.

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