More than 2,000 migrants have crossed the Channel by small boat this MONTH government figures show – as 300 arrived at Dover during weekend heatwave

• More than 2,000 migrants have crossed the 21-mile English Channel this July
• Over the weekend, Border Force officials brought almost 300 migrants into Kent
• MPs say there is ‘no clear evidence’ that Rwanda policy would stop the crossings
• 28,526 people made the journey in 2021 — compared to 8,410 arriving in 2020

More than 2,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel by small boat this month, according to official government figures.

As it stands, a total of 2,079 people have made the perilous journey across the 21-mile Dover Straits in July — with more expected to arrive as the month progresses.

Over the weekend, almost 300 migrants arrived in Dover, with more people arriving along the Kent coast today as temperatures are predicted to reach highs of 40C in the UK. 

It comes as MPs told the government today that there was ‘no clear evidence’ that its controversial policy to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda would stop Channel crossings in small boats.

A lady carries a newborn baby in a life cradle as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, this morning

A young child is carried in a car seat as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, this morning

Over the weekend, almost 300 migrants arrived in Dover, with more people arriving along the Kent coast today as temperatures are predicted to reach highs of 40C in the UK. Pictured, a group of people thought to be migrants arriving in Dover today

The House of Commons Home Affairs Committee said ‘much more clarity’ was needed on the plan, including how much it will cost.

Instead, the MPs urged ministers to look at less eye-catching solutions to the issue, including closer cooperation with European neighbours.

While the Ministry of Defence MoD is yet to confirm the official figures for today, around 40 people are believed to have been intercepted and brought into Ramsgate, Kent in the early hours of the morning. 

Over the weekend, almost 300 migrants were intercepted by Border Force officials and brought into Dover, Kent.

Saturday, July 16, saw 119 people escorted into the harbour — including a small number of women and children.

The first 50 people arrived on Border Force cutter Defender around 1pm. They were led along the gangway by soldiers dressed in camouflage fatigues before having their life jackets removed and sent for processing by UK officials.

A young girl wearing a life jacket arrives in Dover, Kent, this morning, after a small boat incident in the channel today

Border Force catamaran Typhoon brought a similar sized group into the port around an hour later.

A further 154 migrants were intercepted while trying to cross the Channel in dinghies and other small craft on Sunday, July 17.

Around 70 people were escorted into Dover on board Border Force cutter Defender shortly after midday.

Two young boys could be seen waving at onlookers as they approached the port, while another migrant did a victory sign.

A second group of approximately 50 people arrived an hour later, before Border Force catamaran Typhoon escorted the final group into the harbour around 3pm.

The latest arrivals bring the total number of Channel crossings for 2022 to 14,779 people in 437 boats.

The Home Affairs Committee pointed out that numbers attempting the journey from northern France in inflatable dinghies and other unsuitable craft had increased since the Rwanda policy was first announced in April.

MPs told the government today that there was ‘no clear evidence’ that its controversial policy to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda would stop Channel crossings in small boats. Pictured, a young girl is helped by a woman in Dover, Kent

‘There is no clear evidence that the policy will deter migrant crossings,’ the cross-party committee said in a report on the ‘small boats’ phenomenon. 

It attributed the rise to ‘scaremongering’ by people-smuggling gangs warning migrants about the change in the law.

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

Most people who arrive in the UK this way claim asylum but the government says the costs involved in the application process —- more than £1.5 billion — are unsustainably high. 

The committee pointed out that there were a total of 48,450 asylum applications in Britain in 2021 — a similar number to every year since 2014 and ‘far less’ than in the early 2000s.

But it said the current asylum caseload of more than 125,000 was a result of ‘antiquated IT systems, high staff turnover and too few staff’.

Two young girls,both carrying toys, are helped with their life jackets after arriving in Dover, Kent

The first flight carrying asylum seekers was due to take off for Rwanda in mid-June but was grounded due to legal challenges.

The Home Affairs Committee said there was ‘no magical solution’ to deal with irregular migration.

But it said ‘close cooperation with international partners, particularly those in France’ stood more chance of success in deterring Channel crossings.

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.’

The Home Affairs Committee said there was ‘no magical solution’ to deal with irregular migration. Pictured, a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel following a small boat incident in the Channel this morning 

Source: Read Full Article