Migrant crisis: More than 5,000 people cross channel in small boats this year

Migrants in lifejackets with border force control in Dover

More than 5000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far in 2023

PA
Tom Fredericks

By Tom Fredericks


Published: 17/04/2023

- 10:13

Updated: 17/04/2023

- 12:40

It comes after a record number of crossings in 2022

More than 5000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year, GB News can reveal.

It comes after a surge in small boat crossings in the English Channel, as criminal people smuggling gangs take advantage of better weather conditions.


GB News’s Kent producer reports that around 120 people have arrived today, with three small boats intercepted by UK authorities so far.

Official Home Office figures show that 37 people arrived on one boat yesterday.

Migrants being brought to shoreA record number of migrants arrived in the UK in 2022PA

The UK Government has introduced tougher legislation ministers claim will make it next to impossible to claim asylum for anyone crossing into the UK illegally.

Those who enter the UK through so called irregular routes will also face a lifetime ban from claiming asylum.

The Government hopes an announcement that thousands of asylum seekers will be relocated to large scale accommodation centres will act as a deterrent to those planning to enter the UK by irregular routes, like the use of small boats across the English Channel.

And just before Easter the Government signed a deal to house up to 500 asylum seekers on a barge in Portland Harbour in Dorset.

Migrants in lifejackets with border force control in Dover

Official Home Office figures show that 37 people arrived on one boat yesterday

PA

The contract will see the 93-metre-long Bibby Stockholm come under Home Office control.

Refugee charities and human rights groups claim the new plans are “unworkable, costly and will not stop the boats.”

Last year, a record number of 45,756 migrants crossed the English Channel.

Sources have told GB News that Home Office officials are planning for the possibility of up to double that number arriving this year.

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