Almost 3,000 migrants have already crossed the Channel this month, with 695 making the perilous journey from France to the UK in 22 boats on Wednesday.
The Home Office has revealed that almost 1,200 migrants have arrived on southern England’s shores in the past two days. These figures follow a daily record set by 853 migrants, who left mainland Europe in 25 vessels last Wednesday to take advantage of calmer waters.
Border Force chiefs had been planning for 2,000 crossings in November, with a source telling The Telegraph: ‘Officers have told clandestine threat command repeatedly there is no basis for believing the surge in numbers would fall away over winter. Combining low waves, better organization from smugglers, larger boats and more safety features makes the crossing safer and more successful.
The surge is likely to deepen tensions between London and Paris after Emmanuel Macron’s government promised to stop migrants leaving their beaches through increased patrols in return for £54million.
Priti Patel the Home Secretary approved the first installment last week after receiving assurances Gerald Darmanin from France that 100% of the boats will be intercepted by the UK if it pays full sum. According to The Times, less than half the migrants were stopped by French authorities. France is open to the possibility of lifting checks on migrants in exchange for Britain’s support in the ongoing post Brexit dispute regarding fishing licences.
An angry source from the Government warned that “The French have serious questions.”
Clandestine Channel Threat Command Commander Dan O’Mahoney said that migrants who make dangerous crossings risk their lives and are vitally important we take all measures to stop them. We also need to end the criminal gangs’ business model by exploiting individuals. It is crucial that we establish a maritime deterrent channel. Border Force officers have the authority to stop small boats using legal and safe options.
The Mayor of Calais, Natacha Bouchart, previously branded the UK an ‘Eldorado’ for illegal migrants and ‘lacks the courage’ to tighten its laws to deter Channel crossings in a call for showdown talks between the Prime Minister and the French President.
The Guardian has leaked documents suggesting that Miss Patel could lose a legal battle if her controversial pushback policy regarding Channel migrants is implemented.
Nearly 3,000 migrants are believed to have crossed the Channel in this month alone. Pictured, migrants landing in Dungeness
Figures from the Home Office show that almost 1,200 migrants have arrived on southern England’s shores in just two days. Pictured, migrants landing in Dungeness
The November crossing was planned by Border Force Chiefs. Pictured, migrants landing in Dungeness
A little girl in pink walked with a group of people, holding hands from a man or woman.
Priti Patel is the Home Secretary. Right, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin leaves the Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris
The surge is likely to deepen tensions between the UK and France after Paris promised to stop migrants leaving their beaches through increased patrols in return for a £54million sum
Government lawyers have told the Home Secretary that the odds of successfully defending a challenge in the courts against the lawfulness of plans to send vessels carrying people back to France is ‘less than 30 per cent’, according to internal Home Office papers.
A Government source told the paper a leak inquiry had been launched amid concerns ‘there is someone who thinks leaking advice from the attorney general with the intent to damage government’.
These documents reveal that the Home Office has been informed by the Attorney general’s office that they can expect legal challenges to the ‘turnaround tactic. According to it, any opposition could have a’reputationally harmful’ effect and cause the policy’s suspension for several months.
“Whilst it would be great to confirm that these tactics are legal, legal advice suggests that vires cases against the government will prove more probable. Counsel stated that there is less chance of successfully defending vires claims.
He added that “The Attorney General” had said that the Government could expect to face a legal challenge regarding the tactic. The representatives of any migrant affected by this tactic could bring a challenge or an migrant pressure group against the policy.
“While vires are the most challenging, the chances of a successful challenge are higher. However, it is possible to challenge the government on grounds related to proportionality or compliance with the Human Rights Act obligations.
More than 500 migrants crossed Channel By Boat on Wednesday as Border Force was called out to rescue 504 persons in 16 instances.
French authorities stopped the dangerous journey of 307 migrants in their eight-boat boats. Another busy day was had by search and rescue personnel, with clear seas and excellent visibility over the Dover Strait (21-miles).
Search and rescue personnel had another productive day with good visibility and calm waters across the Dover Strait, 21-miles long.
At 3 AM, the first people arrived at Dover Marina in Kent. It was dark outside.
After arriving at Dungeness Beach, Kent, a migrant presses his palms on the pebbles to kiss the shore.
At 3:00am, the first people arrived at Dover Marina in Kent. It was dark outside so they were not visible. Soon after, they were joined by many more aboard the Border Force vessel Hunter.
As they were being escorted to the Immigration Enforcement processing area, many were wrapped in red blankets and carrying bin bags full with possessions.
The RNLI Dover Lifeboat, which was used to transport around 40 people to safety, also assisted in rescue operations. A man can be seen saluting the cameras, before 14 others were taken to safety.
Another task of the Dungeness Lifeboat included rescue and transporting 40 migrants to safety.
As she was walking up the beach, a small girl in a pink jacket held the hands of two men and a woman. One man appeared to be kneeling and kissing the pebbles as a celebration for making such a dangerous journey.
Extreme weather and rough seas have made it more hazardous, yet people-smuggling groups continue to operate.
On Monday, a fishing boat discovered the body of a man adrift in Octeville-sur-Mer. Although the identity of this person has yet to be confirmed, he was taken to Le Havre by his doctor and declared dead. Le Havre prosecutor has launched an investigation. The matter was then entrusted the maritime gendarmerie.
The announcement comes after it was reported that four migrants died within the last fortnight, with other people believed to be still missing and presumed deceased. 2/348 migrants arrived on 59 boats so far this November.