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.
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