Migrant boats ‘threaten a summer of Channel chaos’

MORE suspected migrants have been caught after crossing the Channel and entering the UK in the first half of this year than in the whole of 2018.

With the arrival of more than 150 people since the end of May, the number caught by Border Force in 2019 has soared to 511, according to Telegraph research, with dozens more collected by French authorities.

In 2018, 312 people reached the UK in small boats after crossing the Channel, with 227 stopped by the French.

Dover MP Charlie Elphike has said the crisis “threatens to turn into a summer of chaos on the Channel.”

Yesterday morning, 40 people who claimed to be from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan were intercepted in two boats just off the Kent coast and taken to shore by Border Force agents. The group, which included women and children, were medically assessed and transferred to immigration officers.

Earlier this week, another 38 suspects were picked up in three separate boats, while a fourth, containing seven children, was rescued by French officials after suffering engine problems.

On May 31, Britain saw a record number of boats and people trying to enter the UK illegally – 74 people were intercepted in eight separate boats.

In May more people crossed the Channel in small boats (140) than in December (138) when a “major incident” was declared.

Mr Elphike tweeted: “More migrants have arrived so far this year than arrived in the whole of last year. Crisis now threatens to turn into a summer of chaos on the Channel.

“Home Office needs to regain control of our borders and a stronger agreement with France to stop people leaving the French coast.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “Anyone crossing the Channel in a small boat is taking a huge risk with their life and the lives of their children.

“Last week, the Home Secretary and French interior minister agreed to continue to explore options to reinforce the efforts already being made. It is an established principle that those in need of protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach.”