On Monday, some 1,300 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats, setting a new record for daily crossings.
The Ministry of Defense reported that 1,295 migrants crossed in 27 boats, surpassing the previous record of 1,185 set in November.
It represents the greatest daily total since records began in 2018.
This month, 6,168 individuals have crossed the channel in tiny boats, compared to 3,683 in July.
This year, more than 22,560 persons have crossed the English Channel. At the same stage in 2021, the cumulative total was a little over 12,500.
Last year, a total of 28,526 individuals crossed the border, compared to 8,404 in 2020.
On Monday, infants and young toddlers covered in blankets and wearing woolen caps were spotted being carried ashore at Dover.
The crossings occurred after three days of inclement weather prevented any crossings.
In April, home secretary Priti Patel signed what she called a “world first” arrangement to transport certain asylum applicants to Rwanda to apply for refuge there.
However, the first deportation flight, which was scheduled to depart on June 14, was grounded owing to legal concerns.
Several asylum seekers, the Public and Commercial Services union, and the non-profit organizations Care4Calais, Detention Action, and Asylum Aid are contesting the legality of the Home Office’s policy; the next court hearings are scheduled for September and October.
Many migrants hail from some of the world’s poorest and most turbulent regions, and upon being apprehended by British police, many request refuge.
Amnesty International UK’s director of refugee and migrant rights, Steve Valdez-Symonds, stated, “Despite the government’s shameful posturing and draconian refugee policy-making, the simple truth is that people, including children, fleeing war and persecution will continue to make these perilous journeys, whether by boat or other means if the government refuses to provide safe routes for them.”
A government spokeswoman said: “The increase in risky crossings of the Channel is unacceptable. Not only are they a flagrant violation of our immigration laws, but they also endanger the lives of vulnerable individuals being exploited by brutal criminal gangs.”
He stated that the Nationality and Borders Act dismantled the “evil” business model of people smuggling by arresting 38 individuals.
He continued, “Under our new Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda, we are continuing plans to relocate those who make these illegal and wasteful voyages, so helping to save lives by discouraging others from crossing.”
