Dozens halted in Channel
A TOTAL of 36 people were detained by UK authorities yesterday while trying to cross the Channel.
Another 27 were stopped by the French, said a Home Office spokesman.
The latest attempted crossings were made after a record 8,417 people made the journey last year in everything from dinghies and kayaks to a paddling pool.
Chris Philp, Minister for Immigration Compliance And The Courts, said: “These are illegally facilitated crossings.
“The Government will continue to seek to return those with no legal right to remain in the UK.”
The Home Office spokesman said that joint intelligence with the French had prevented a total of 134 individuals entering the UK this week.
He said: “These efforts have contributed to a 70% reduction in crossings since September on fairweather days by direct intervention on the French beaches.”