In a single day, 882 illegal migrants arrived in the UK, setting a record for the highest number of arrivals by sea this year. According to the Home Office, these migrants crossed the UK via small boats on Tuesday.
Annual Statistics
According to preliminary information from the Home Office, 12,313 individuals have unlawfully entered the UK thus far this year. This significant number highlights the ongoing challenge of managing illegal migration via the English Channel.
UK Border Force Efforts
The UK Border Force has deployed ships to intercept and prevent small boats from crossing the English Channel. Despite these efforts, the Border Force’s primary role remains to rescue individuals in peril rather than entirely void their arrival.
French Assistance
This week, France announced a substantial aid package to prevent migrant crossings of the English Channel. The package includes £9.3 million worth of equipment and 100 vehicles. The equipment comprises quad bikes suitable for beach patrols, Zodiac boats, and small ships. The Coast Guard has also been equipped with night-vision devices to detect individuals hiding in dunes and attempting to cross the Channel.
France’s Commitment
France has been prominent in its commitment to preventing illegal crossing of the English Channel. In one day alone, 671 people were blocked from entering the country through this route.
Problems with enforcement
According to Pierre-Henri Dumont, a French Member of Parliament for Calais, it is impossible to expect that police can patrol a 200-300 km coastline for 24 hours every day. This statement highlights just how difficult managing and stopping illegal immigration has been for both the UK and France.
Cooperation between both nations
Nevertheless, despite these challenges, there have still been efforts made by Britain in collaboration with their counterparts across the channel towards beefing up border security as well as controlling influxes of undocumented migrants. The two countries are working together by sharing resources and implementing various strategies meant to address this multifaceted problem while at the same time ensuring safety for those who brave such perilous journeys.
