Migrant Channel crossings hit new monthly record putting Priti Patel under renewed pressure

HOME Secretary Priti Patel is coming under renewed pressure to stop the Channel boats after September set a new monthly record for migrant crossings — with nearly a week still to go.

Almost 500 landed on Wednesday, meaning 3,872 arrivals this month so far.

It already beats the record set in July.

This year’s total is 16,303.

Dover MP Natalie Elphicke warned of possible Channel deaths this winter.

She told Trending In The News: “The French must do more to stop boats leaving in the first place.

“Boats should be turned around.”

Home Office officials admit just one per cent of small boats will be pushed back by elite new jet ski squads.

Dan O’Mahoney — appointed by Ms Patel to tackle illegal crossings — said: “This is a complicated issue requiring changes to our laws.”