Yesterday, at least 430 migrants have entered the United Kingdom via the English Channel suspected unlawfully – a new record for a single day – the Home Office has confirmed.
The department said it was taking “substantial steps to tackle the unacceptable problem of illegal migration”.
Around 50 people were seen landing on the beach at Dungeness in Kent after crossing in one dinghy.
The news follows after eight boats carrying 241 migrants reached the UK on Sunday.
So far this year, almost 8,000 people have reached the UK in around 345 boats.
The previous daily high of 416 was set in September 2020.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has pledged to make Channel crossings “unviable”, with new legislation that will make it a crime to knowingly arrive in the UK without permission.
The Nationality and Borders Bill, which is currently being considered by MPs, will mean migrants entering without permission could face up to four years in prison.
The government is hoping the overhaul of the asylum system will deter migrants from making unlawful entry into the UK.
Dan O’Mahoney, clandestine channel threat commander, said: “There is an unacceptable rise in dangerous small boat crossings across the channel because of a surge in illegal migration across Europe.
“People should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach and not risk their lives making these dangerous crossings. We are continuing to pursue the criminals behind these illegal crossings.”
Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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