A record number of migrants crossed the English Channel on Monday, setting the highest daily total of the year.
Breitbart London reported that a new record high of 882 illegal migrants crossed the English Channel on Monday, prompting criticism of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's handling of the immigration crisis.
The migrants, totaling 882, reached British shores in 15 small boats operated by people-smuggling gangs along the French coast. The influx has brought the total number of illegal migrants crossing the Channel this year to 12,313, an 18% increase from the same period last year. This surge indicates that 2024 is on track to surpass the yearly record set in 2022 when 45,774 migrants reached the UK.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has claimed that his policies led to a decline in illegal arrivals last year. However, the increase in crossings this year suggests that weather conditions, rather than policy measures, may have contributed more significantly to the reduction seen in 2023.
Sunak's government has invested £240 million in a scheme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing, but no flights have taken off due to legal challenges.
The European Court on Human Rights (ECHR) blocked the first attempted removal flight in the summer of 2022. Despite the UK leaving the European Union in 2020, it remains a member of the ECHR, which has been a point of contention for some political figures. Sunak’s election manifesto indicated a possible withdrawal from the ECHR if it negatively impacted national security.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has been vocal in his criticism of the current government's handling of the situation. Farage has called for more stringent measures to address the crisis. Nigel Farage stated: "Rishi can’t stop the boats and Labour don’t care. This is a national security emergency."
Reform UK has advocated for a turn-back-the-boats approach to stop the influx of migrants. Ben Habib, a candidate for Reform UK, suggested creating a specific boat migrant force equipped with sensors, drones, fast boats, and well-trained professionals to intercept and return boats as they depart from France.
The UK government's plan to send migrants to Rwanda has faced multiple legal hurdles. The scheme, initially proposed during Boris Johnson's tenure, has not seen any flights take off due to ongoing legal challenges both domestically and internationally. The European Court on Human Rights intervention has added to the complexity of implementing this policy.
Prime Minister Sunak has faced criticism for the lack of progress in addressing the migrant crisis. Despite significant financial investment, the continued arrival of migrants has raised questions about the effectiveness of current policies. The idea of leaving the ECHR has been floated as a potential solution, but it remains a contentious issue.
The ongoing crisis has significant implications for the UK's immigration policy and its relationship with international legal bodies. Despite previous claims of policy success, the rising number of crossings this year suggests that new approaches may be necessary. Political leaders, including those from Reform UK, have called for more robust measures to address the root causes of the crisis.
The political response to the crisis continues to evolve as the government and opposition parties propose different solutions. The effectiveness of any new policies will be closely scrutinized as the situation develops.
In conclusion, the number of migrants crossing the English Channel on Monday has intensified the debate over the UK’s immigration policies. The increase in crossings has highlighted the challenges faced by the government in managing illegal immigration and the effectiveness of current measures. With significant legal and logistical hurdles still to overcome, the future of the UK’s approach to this ongoing crisis remains uncertain. Political leaders continue to propose various solutions, but the need for effective and sustainable strategies is clear.
