A record number of migrants attempted to cross the Channel from France to the United Kingdom on Saturday. This was reported by the British Home Office. More than 800 people tried to cross, most on overcrowded boats.
The UK Home Office reported that 828 people were rescued or intercepted in 30 small boats. And the French authorities were able to stop 193 people, distributed on 10 boats, on the same day. No crossings were made on Sunday and Monday. The previous record was set on August 12, when 592 people attempted to cross the river.
The French and British interior ministers agreed in July on new measures against illegal immigration. Far more police officers are checking out French beaches and the UK has pledged more than €60 million to France to fight immigration.
The UK wants to discourage people from taking the sea route through the Channel by imposing higher prison sentences for people smugglers and the migrants they take with them. More than 12,500 refugees have attempted to cross the canal in 2021 so far. Over the entire year of 2020, there were more than 8000.
The UK Home Office reported that 828 people were rescued or intercepted in 30 small boats. And the French authorities were able to stop 193 people, distributed on 10 boats, on the same day. No crossings were made on Sunday and Monday. The previous record was set on August 12, when 592 people attempted to cross the river. The French and British interior ministers agreed in July on new measures against illegal immigration. Far more police officers are checking out French beaches and the UK has pledged more than €60 million to France to fight immigration. The UK wants to discourage people from taking the sea route through the Channel by imposing higher prison sentences for people smugglers and the migrants they take with them. More than 12,500 refugees have attempted to cross the canal in 2021 so far. Over the entire year of 2020, there were more than 8000.
