In a dramatic turn of events, the number of migrant crossings in the Channel has reached an all-time high. On July 29, 2024, a group of migrants setting off from France’s northern coast was heard shouting, “This is for Rishi Sunak!” as they embarked on their perilous journey.
According to the Home Office, 255 migrants crossed the Channel on Sunday alone, pushing the total for the year to 16,457. This surpasses the previous record of 16,420 set by the end of July in 2022.
Last year’s figures for the same period were 14,732. The rising numbers pose a significant challenge for Sir Keir Starmer’s new Labour Government.
French Police Response
Yesterday, a “taxi boat” was spotted leaving the harbor at Gravelines near Dunkirk.
One occupant of the dinghy called out to onlookers, “This is for Rishi Sunak,” likely referring to the former Prime Minister’s now-defunct policy on immigration.
Once the dinghy reached the sea, it turned around and headed back to the nearby beach.
A large group of migrants, including women, children, and an infant, then waded into the water, waiting for the dinghy to pick them up.
Despite the activity, French police on the beach did not intervene.
Controversial Policing Tactics
French officers, who receive £100 million annually from UK taxpayers to tackle the issue, are instructed not to interfere with dinghies that are already afloat or to prevent migrants already in the water, fearing liability for potential drownings.
Instead, they focused on preventing children and families from reaching the water. Meanwhile, volunteers from the refugee charity Utopia 56 were on the scene, providing assistance and monitoring the situation.
Tragic Incident and Political Reactions
Early on Sunday, one migrant died, and 34 others were rescued by French coastguards from a heavily loaded boat in distress.
In the Commons, Reform UK MP Lee Anderson questioned whether the Home Secretary agrees that the UK should stop paying the French until they effectively tackle the issue. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged the extreme danger of the crossings and criticized the criminal gangs for overcrowding the boats to maximize profits.
She emphasized the need for a new Border Security Command to collaborate with European and international forces to address the problem at its source.
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