RECORD NUMBER OF MIGRANTS ARRIVE IN BRITAIN IN A SINGLE DAY THROUGH BOAT CROSSINGS

Tue 23 August 2022:

On Monday, the number of migrants coming in Britain in small boats set a new record for a single day, as the number of risky crossings across the English Channel continues to grow despite the government’s plans to deport those who arrive illegally to Rwanda.

The British Ministry of Defence reported that 1,295 migrants in 27 boats were intercepted after crossing from the European mainland on Monday. The total exceeds the previous daily high of 1,185 established in November of last year.

Outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson hoped that the possibility of deportation to Rwanda, announced in April, combined with other steps, such as delegating responsibility for intercepting migrants to the navy, would prevent those arriving in dinghies and small boats.

Under an agreement struck in April, Britain will send tens of thousands of migrants who arrive on its shores illegally more than 4,000 miles (6,4000 km) to the East African country.

The policy will be the subject of a legal challenge in London’s High Court in early September when a coalition of human rights groups and a trade union will argue that the Rwanda policy is unworkable and unethical.

The first planned deportation flight in June was blocked by a last-minute injunction from the European Court of Human Rights.

“The rise in dangerous Channel crossings is unacceptable,” a government spokesperson said. “Not only are they an overt abuse of our immigration laws but they risk the lives of vulnerable people, who are being exploited by ruthless criminal gangs.”

In 2021, 28,526 migrants were detected entering on tiny boats, with Iran having the highest number, followed by Iraq, Eritrea, and Syria. More than 22,000 migrants have arrived in the UK so far this year, with government officials warning that 60,000 more might arrive by the end of the year.

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, the two contenders running to replace Johnson as Prime Minister, have both committed to press ahead with the Rwanda scheme.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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