Almost 600 people have crossed the English Channel on a single day this week, setting a new daily record.
At least 592 migrants made the illegal crossing on Thursday, with at least 155 intercepted by French authorities and returned to the continent, Home Office figures show.
The previous daily record was of 482 people crossing set on 4 August, according to data compiled by the PA news agency.
More than 11,000 people have now crossed the Dover Strait aboard small boats since the beginning of 2021.
Lisa Doyle, director of advocacy and engagement at the Refugee Council, said: “The government needs to recognise that while there is war, persecution and violence, people will be forced to take dangerous journeys to seek safety.
“We are talking about ordinary men, women and children who are forced to flee their home through no fault of their own. The odds are stacked against them but they struggle on to survive.
“The government must change its approach. Instead of seeking to punish or push away people seeking safety because of the type of journey they have made to the UK, they must create and commit to safe routes.
“As a country, we can save lives and empower people, who have already been through so much, to give back to the communities that welcome them.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel has vowed to make the Channel route “unviable”.
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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