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Since Labour took office last summer, it is estimated that around 50,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats. According to Home Office data, as of Sunday, 49,797 individuals had made the journey, with the Monday total yet to be disclosed. Baroness Jacqui Smith, a government minister, expressed concern over this “unacceptable number of people” crossing but highlighted the “one in, one out” returns agreement with France as a deterrent. However, the Conservative Party criticized Labour for what they perceive as a failure to protect the country’s borders.
As the government continues to grapple with addressing people-smuggling networks, a key focus of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s administration, the latest figures on migrant crossings have sparked debate. Baroness Smith acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that people smuggling gangs have gained significant control over the trafficking of individuals in recent years. While noting that progress has been made in combating these criminal operations, she also mentioned the implementation of the UK’s innovative agreement with France, under which some migrants will be returned in exchange for legitimate asylum seekers.
Between the period from July 5, 2024, when Labour assumed power, to August 11 of the current year, the total number of small boat crossings is projected to reach 50,000. In contrast, from July 5, 2023, to August 11, 2024, when the Conservatives were predominantly in charge, there were 36,346 such crossings, indicating a significant increase under Labour’s governance. Various factors, including weather conditions favorable for attempts, play a role in influencing crossing totals. The Conservatives lambasted Labour, labeling the situation as the “worst illegal immigration crisis in our history” and calling for immediate removal of all illegal immigrants upon arrival.
Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council charity, highlighted the plight of migrants fleeing conflict-ridden regions like Sudan, where they have no other recourse but to embark on perilous journeys. To combat smugglers effectively, Solomon stressed the importance of expanding safe and legal avenues for migration, such as facilitating the reunification of family members already settled in the UK. Without such measures, he warned that vulnerable individuals will continue to take risks, while criminal networks will adapt their tactics accordingly to exploit the situation further
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