More Small-Boat Migrants Arrive at Dover — With Record Numbers Crossing the Channel

Record Numbers

The number of small-boat migrants arriving at Dover continues to rise, with nearly 1,000 crossing the English Channel over the weekend. This brings the total for the year to over 21,000.

Recent Arrivals

In what was described as calm weather, 113 migrants arrived at Dover in two boats on Sunday. On Saturday, a single-day record for 2023 was set, with 872 individuals making the journey.

Decline in Numbers

Despite the recent influx, the total number of arrivals over the past month is 19% lower compared to the same period last year.

Battling Smuggling Gangs

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made it a priority to tackle the issue of small-boat migration and to crack down on smuggling gangs who profit from the dangerous journey, charging migrants thousands of pounds.

Deportation Plan on Hold

A plan proposed by the Prime Minister to deport migrants to Rwanda has been delayed until after an autumn Supreme Court battle. This battle will determine the legality of such deportations. Winning the case would pave the way for deportation flights before the next election.

Tory Demands

Some Conservative MPs, including Jonathan Gullis, are urging Prime Minister Sunak to take a tough stance on the issue. They suggest securing more deportation flights to safe third countries, such as Rwanda, and even being willing to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.