Record number of Cross Channel crossings on same day Patel visited Calais
While home secretary, Priti Patel, was visiting Calais yesterday in an effort to clamp down on illegal cross channel crossings, a record number of migrants reportedly crossed the English channels in dinghies.
According to Home Office figures, 180 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats to reach the UK on July 12.
On the same day more than 200 migrants were intercepted by the French authorities and prevented from making the crossing.
The previous record highest number to reach the UK (via small boats) on a single day was 166 on June 03.
During her one-day trip to Calais – where she met newly-appointed French interior minister Gerald Darmanin – Patel reportedly managed to secure an Anglo-French deal on immigration and border management.
The centerpiece of that deal revolves around a “joint intelligence unit” whose task is to identify and intercept the organized crime gangs who control the illegal crossings.
But as the record number of crossings yesterday demonstrates, the British and French authorities face an uphill battle in trying to contain this lucrative trade and by extension suppressing the sophisticated gangs who control it.
Another uncertainty centers on the extent and quality of French cooperation with the UK on immigration and border security issues once Britain formally exits the European Union’s freedom of movement protocols on December 31.
Weeks-long protest opposite UK parliament calls for Israel arms embargo
101 BBC staff accuse broadcaster of Israel bias in Gaza war coverage
UK’s Barclays divests from weapons company Elbit, deals new blow to Israel
IRGC: 10 foreign-backed terrorists killed, arrested in Sistan and Baluchestan
Iran calls on EU to end targeting ordinary Iranians after missile transfer claims refuted
UK police detain Jewish scholar Haim Bresheeth following pro-Palestine address
VIDEO | Iraqi resistance strikes key Israeli targets in occupied territories
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
Iranian satellites launched into space as private sector debuts in space industry
VIDEO | Iran, Azerbaijan conduct joint maritime rescue operations
VIDEO | Yemen’s Red Sea divide: Naval forces block Israeli-linked ships in strategic ‘parting of the water’
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
