UK Border Force 'intercept record number of migrants crossing English Channel'

Border officials have intercepted hundreds of migrants trying to cross the Channel already in 2020
PA
Ewan Somerville9 May 2020

A record number of migrants were reportedly intercepted by authorities in the English Channel on Friday.

Some 140 people were found making their way to Britain by the Border Force and brought ashore at Dover, according to Sky News.

It is claimed that a further 70 migrants and at least five boats were found early on Saturday morning.

The Home Office did not deny the reports when contacted by the Standard but referred to “yesterday’s incident”.

Border Force have noticed an increase in attempted crossings during the pandemic
PA

Border Force officials and the National Crime Agency say they have seen an increase in attempted crossings during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chris Philp, minister for immigration, said: “The recent increase in crossings is totally unacceptable which is why we are stepping up action to stop the crossings, going after the criminals perpetrating these heinous crimes and prosecuting them for their criminal activity.”

The Home Office said 1,100 illegal migrants have been arrested in France during 2020 up until the end of March, while in 2019 UK authorities secured 203 convictions for a combined 437 years prison terms, 101 of those for people smuggling.

Officials insist that those crossing the Channel, often from Asia and Africa, have no valid reason because France is a safe country to claim asylum.

A total of 1,900 migrants arrived in the UK by small boat in the whole of 2019.

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