In a dramatic surge, migrant crossings through the Channel have reached unprecedented levels.
Yesterday, as a group prepared for the perilous journey, they cried out, “This is for Rishi Sunak,” highlighting their defiance against current policies. French authorities, stationed along the northern coast, appeared passive as the migrants set off.
The escalating numbers are making the situation increasingly urgent.
On Sunday alone, 255 migrants successfully crossed the Channel, pushing the total for the year to 16,457, according to the Home Office.
This marks a sharp increase compared to previous years.
The highest record for July was 16,420 in 2022, whereas last year saw 14,732 arrivals by this time.
This rise in crossings poses a significant challenge for Sir Keir Starmer’s new Labour Government. Thus far, their most notable immigration policy shift has been the abandonment of the Conservative’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Yesterday, a so-called ‘taxi boat’ was observed leaving the Gravelines harbour near Dunkirk.
One migrant on the overcrowded dinghy shouted, “This is for Rishi Sunak,” possibly referring to the former Prime Minister’s now-defunct policy. However, the dinghy soon veered back toward the beach.
French Police’s Role
A sizable group of migrants, including women, children, and an infant in a chest-mounted carrier, emerged from the dunes and waded into the sea to meet the boat. Despite the distressing scene, French police on the beach did not intervene.
Funded by £100 million annually from UK taxpayers to combat these crossings, the French officers are instructed not to interfere with dinghies already at sea to avoid liability for potential drownings. Their focus yesterday was on preventing families and children from reaching the water.
Volunteer Efforts
Volunteers from the refugee charity Utopia 56 were present, monitoring the situation and providing aid.
Volunteer Pablo Eymard-Picollec noted that some families were advised by police to stay on the beach due to the overcrowded boat, which was deemed too risky for further passengers.
Tragic Events
Earlier on Sunday, a migrant tragically lost their life, while French coastguards rescued 34 others from a distressed and overloaded boat.
In the Commons, Reform UK MP Lee Anderson questioned whether it’s time to stop funding the French authorities until they take more decisive action against these crossings.
Calls for New Measures
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the dangerous conditions, attributing them to criminal gangs who overfill boats to increase their profits.
She emphasized the need for a new Border Security Command to collaborate with French and other European forces to tackle these gangs and prevent boats from reaching the French coast.
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