Over 200 migrants made the perilous journey across the English Channel in small boats. The crossing remains hazardous, and the UK government is taking action to address the situation. Here’s what happened.
Refugee Strategy
The UK has been a “hot spot” for illegal migrants for a very long time. The former Conservative government implemented the “Ruwanda Assylum Plan.”
How Did the Scheme Work?
The plan was supposed to relocate migrants seeking asylum to Rwanda. After that, the Rwandan government would decide and if the persons were eligible under Rwandan law, they would be allowed to stay.
The Scheme Was Never Used
According to the Migration Observatory, the Rwandan Scheme was never used even though it was made official in 2022. Since then, the new government has scrapped the policy and instead established a Border Security Command.
Asylum Housing Costs Millions
To house the asylum seekers is costing the state and taxpayers more than £8 million a day, according to Labour.
More Illegal Migrants Arrived
It was reported that on Monday the 19th, three small boats arrived, crossing the English Channel carrying over 200 migrants. Irish News reported over 700 migrants crossed on the 11th of August in small boats.
More Migrants on Conservative’s Watch?
According to Labour Government, the Conservatives have seen large numbers of illegal immigrants make their way to the country. Little to nothing more substantial was done to mitigate this problem. Just the Rwanda Scheme, which, although it cost the country millions, was never used.
Small Boats Not Meant For These Waters
Small boats are not made for these sorts of travel. In most cases, it’s a dingy boat. Taking on the raging open seas is immensely dangerous, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has expressed her concerns.
Statistics of Crossings
According to the UK government, the border crossings for the month of August, dating between the 14th and the 20th, total 829. On 17 August, 492 migrants arrived on nine small boats, and on the 19th August, 206 arrived on three small boats.
Security Not Taken Seriously
The Home Secretary has noted that the small boat crossings “undermine our security and put lives at risk.”
Some People Already Lost Lives
She also spoke of a migrant passenger who had passed away while taking the cross over the Channel. Cooper said boat crossings are part of larger organised crimes, and they “deliberately cram the boat to maximize their profits.”
Crammed Small Boats
Criminal traffic organisations are putting nearly 100 people on a single boat. That’s not only a weight issue for the small boat, but it wasn’t designed for these travel purposes, nor to carry all those passengers. There is a grave concern for the people aboard’s safety.
Must Work With All Police Forces
Cooper was asked if she thought the French were being complicit in allowing the illegal immigrants to cross and still take the UK’s money. Cooper responded that it’s the reason they work not only “with French police, but with police forces and organisations right across Europe…”. She added that the boats must be “prevented from leaving the French Coast.”
Small Boat Crossing Statistics
According to UK government Gov.UK, the data used for the migrants arriving on small boats include those detected in the Channel and those arriving to shore. The data only includes small boats and migrants that arrive on yachts, “go-fast” crafts, and fishing vessels.
“Uncontrolled Landing”
Uncontrolled landing is the term given to the boats that arrive undetected. They were recorded as a small boat arriving on the Channel but have eluded interception from authorities.
All Recordeded
According to Gov.UK, these migrants are also recorded as the government has knowledge about them. They are referred to as “irregular migrants recorded arriving by small boat. “
Bringing Down Net Immigration Didn’t Happen Under Tory
According to the Labour Party, the Tory government also promised to “bring down the net migration.” However, under the Conservatives and despite all the promises, Labour says, illegal migration counts have “more than tripled.”
“Smash Criminal Gangs”
The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said as the country’s “chief prosecutor, he “smashed” terrorist gangs. He assured that Britain can once again “smash the people smuggling gangs.”
Labour’s Promise
Before Labour won the elections, Starmer spoke about what Labour plans to do at the borders. “Labour will do better and end this farce,” he said, and one of the goals is restoring governance at the border and getting to the root source of the criminal gangs.
Border Security Command
With Border Security Command, the government will continue working with neighbouring borders to stop illegals entering the country. The Home Secretary also noted that there would be special forces and specially trained persons to tackle unique investigations, leading to the root of the gangs.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Aidan Calderbank.
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