More than 14,000 migrants have crossed the Channel by boat so far this year, figures reveal – as at least 100 reach the UK today with more arrivals expected during heatwave

• At least 100 people escorted into Dover by Border Force on Wednesday morning
• The group intercepted this morning included a number of women and children 
• The figures show more than 14,000 migrants have crossed the Channel this year

More than 14,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel by small boat so far this year, according to official government figures.

A total of 14,010 people have made the perilous journey across the 21-mile Dover Straits in 419 boats – a figure which was not reached until September last year.

And the arrival of a heatwave in the UK this week is expected to bring with it a rise in the number of migrant crossings.

At least 100 people were escorted into Dover, Kent on board Border Force catamaran Typhoon around 9am today.

Today one soldier was seen carrying a young girl, wearing a blue dress and a red beanie, in his arms

The group, which included a number of women and children, were led along the gangway by soldiers dressed in camouflage fatigues.

One soldier carried a young girl, wearing a blue dress and a red beanie, in his arms.

He could later be seen carrying a sleeping toddler along the walkway.

Another primary school-aged girl transported her belongings in a red Winnie-the-Pooh rucksack.

Her lifejacket was removed by Border Force staff who wrapped a blue blanket around her shoulders before escorting her onto a coach to be taken for processing by UK officials.

Another migrant covered her face from onlookers as she approached the vehicle.

While today’s figures are yet to be confirmed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), it is believed the latest arrivals made the crossing in two dinghies.

This comes after 259 migrants reached the UK in six boats on Tuesday – bringing this month’s total to 1,310.

Border Force officers also intercepted 442 migrants from 15 incidents on Monday – the highest number for nearly a month despite a Europe-wide crackdown on people smugglers and warnings migrants could be re-homed in Rwanda in central Africa.

At least 100 people were escorted into Dover, Kent on board Border Force catamaran Typhoon around 9am today

According to official government figures, 28,526 people made the journey in 2021 – compared to 8,410 who arrived in 2020.

A Government spokesperson said: ‘The rise in dangerous Channel crossings is unacceptable.

‘Not only are they an overt abuse of our immigration laws, but they risk lives and hinder our ability to help refugees who come to the UK through safe and legal routes.

‘The Nationality and Borders Act will enable us to crack down on abuse of the system and the evil people smugglers, who will now be subject to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

‘Under our new Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda, we are continuing preparations to relocate those who are making dangerous, unnecessary and illegal journeys into the UK in order for their claims to be considered and rebuild their lives.’

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