Record Migrant Arrivals and Government Crackdown: Over 700 Cross Channel as PM Starmer Vows to ‘Smash the Gangs

Over 700 migrants reached the UK aboard 11 vessels in one day, according to recent data. Sir Keir Starmer has committed to dismantling the criminal networks that charge individuals hefty sums to facilitate their crossing of the Channel in compact boats.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Monday, August 12, 2024, 1:

Over 700 migrants reached the UK shores on Sunday by crossing the Channel in 11 boats, marking the largest number since the Labour Party assumed office.

According to data released by the Home Office on Monday, 703 individuals were recorded making the crossing on Sunday, marking the third highest number of crossings recorded in a single day this year.

Authorities identified eleven vessels, each averaging around 64 individuals.

On Sunday, a tragic incident occurred when two individuals lost their lives while attempting to traverse the Channel in a small vessel.

Their tiny vessel was within French maritime boundaries when they issued an emergency alert to the local coastal guard hub.

Approximately 50 migrants were saved from their vessel by a helicopter and two boats, with several suffering from fuel burn injuries, according to the French maritime regional authorities.

The individuals who were saved were taken back to France, where authorities are conducting an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the two fatalities.

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As of 2024, the preliminary count of individuals reaching the UK via small boats has reached 18,342.

This represents a 13% increase from the same time last year, when the number stood at 16,170.

It has decreased by 3% from 2022, when it was 18,978 at the same point.

The peak single-day crossing this year occurred on June 18, with 882 individuals, followed by the second highest of 711 on May 1, both instances taking place prior to the general election on July 4.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to dismantle criminal networks by establishing a new Border Security Command dedicated to combatting the organizations responsible for smuggling migrants across the Channel.

Under the Counter Terrorism Act, authorities will receive enhanced capabilities, including the ability to perform stop-and-search operations at borders, execute financial probes, and issue warrants for searching and seizing assets in cases related to organized immigration crime.

Upon taking office, Sir Keir has unveiled a funding initiative of £84 million aimed at African and Middle Eastern nations to address the root causes of the migration crisis.

Sir Keir stated that the funds will be allocated to healthcare and educational programs, along with humanitarian aid, aiming to tackle the underlying causes that compel individuals to leave their homes.

On Monday, the spokesperson for the prime minister acknowledged that summer presents difficulties for boat crossings, echoing previous statements made by Sir Keir.

"He emphasized the necessity of dismantling the criminal groups behind the issues, stating that we might observe initial escalations before witnessing any positive changes."

He stated that it is "a primary focus for the administration."

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