In 2024, a noteworthy advancement occurred when over 10,000 migrants entered the UK through small boats that crossed the Channel. This new record exceeds the 7,326 arrivals by May 24 of last year and the 9,326 arrivals by this date in 2022.
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The landmark was attained on Saturday with the passage of 288 migrants in five small boats on Friday, increasing the total number of migrants this year in 209 small boats to 10,170.
On May 1, when generally calmer sea conditions began to arrive, 711 persons made the most crossings in a single day.
Banning these crossings has become a primary priority for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has emphasized his determination to “stop the boats.” But the achievement of today shows that the strategy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda is not working as a deterrent.
In the event that the Conservatives win the general election, Mr. Sunak has said that there will be no more flights to Rwanda, and the Labour Party has promised to abandon the plan completely.
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“We continue to work closely with our French partners to prevent crossings and save lives.”