<p>Official figures in the UK revealed on Friday (August 11) that more than 100,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats from France to southeast England since public recording of such arrivals began in England in 2018. On Thursday, some 755 migrants were detected on 14 small boats headed for southern coast of England. The figures are from UK interior ministry. This is the highest tally on a single day this year.</p>

<p>This means that number of arrivals so far this year have nearly reached 160,00. This has taken the total from the year 2018 to 100,715.</p>

<p>The final tally for 2023 appears set to be less than the previous year for the first time since the route began to grow in popularity at the end of the last decade.</p>

<p>Just 299 migrants made the journey in 2018, but during 2020 it had climbed to 8,466 while last year saw a record 45,755 arrivals.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK braces for fresh strikes by junior doctors</strong></p>

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<p>The lower numbers this year are being attributed to months of particularly poor weather. The poor conditions meant that undertaking the journey in small inflatable vessels became almost impossible.</p>

<p>French authorities have also stepped up patrols and other deterrent measures after London agreed in March to send Paris hundreds of millions of euros annually towards the effort.</p>

<p>The route is across one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and has caused many tragedies. Boats filled with migrants have capsized and people have drowned in the waters.</p>

<h2><strong>Politicisation of the issue</strong></h2>

<p>Such crossings by migrants has also become a political issue. This has prompted the UK government to introduced law barring asylum claims by all arrivals via the Channel and other "illegal" routes.</p>

<p>The new law also makes transfer of such migrants to third countries such as Rwanda compulsory. But both policies are currently on hold as legality of sending migrants to east Africa has been challenged in court.</p>

<p>Migrant advocates as well as United Nations' refugee agency have condemned such measures.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government claims it has been forced to pursue the hardline deterrents as the surge in cross-Channel arrivals increasingly stretches resources.</p>

<p>By the end of March this year, Britain's asylum system backlog had swollen to more than 130,000.</p>

<p>The cost of housing those applicants and other migrant arrivals has reached more than £6 million ($7.6 million) a day, according to officials, as they resort to using hotels and other temporary accommodation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Official figures in the UK revealed on Friday (August 11) that more than 100,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats from France to southeast England since public recording of such arrivals began in England in 2018.

Official figures in the UK revealed on Friday (August 11) that more than 100,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats from France to southeast England since public recording of such arrivals began in England in 2018. On Thursday, some 755 migrants were detected on 14 small boats headed for southern coast of England. The figures are from UK interior ministry. This is the highest tally on a single day this year. This means that number of arrivals so far this year have nearly reached 160,00. This has taken the total from the year 2018 to 100,715. The final tally for 2023 appears set to be less than the previous year for the first time since the route began to grow in popularity at the end of the last decade. Just 299 migrants made the journey in 2018, but during 2020 it had climbed to 8,466 while last year saw a record 45,755 arrivals. Watch | UK braces for fresh strikes by junior doctors × The lower numbers this year are being attributed to months of particularly poor weather. The poor conditions meant that undertaking the journey in small inflatable vessels became almost impossible. French authorities have also stepped up patrols and other deterrent measures after London agreed in March to send Paris hundreds of millions of euros annually towards the effort. The route is across one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and has caused many tragedies. Boats filled with migrants have capsized and people have drowned in the waters. Politicisation of the issue Such crossings by migrants has also become a political issue. This has prompted the UK government to introduced law barring asylum claims by all arrivals via the Channel and other "illegal" routes. The new law also makes transfer of such migrants to third countries such as Rwanda compulsory. But both policies are currently on hold as legality of sending migrants to east Africa has been challenged in court. Migrant advocates as well as United Nations' refugee agency have condemned such measures. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government claims it has been forced to pursue the hardline deterrents as the surge in cross-Channel arrivals increasingly stretches resources. By the end of March this year, Britain's asylum system backlog had swollen to more than 130,000. The cost of housing those applicants and other migrant arrivals has reached more than £6 million ($7.6 million) a day, according to officials, as they resort to using hotels and other temporary accommodation. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Migrant channel crossings in last 5 years cross 100,000 mark: UK interior ministry data

<p>Five French security personnel have been handed a preliminary charge over their failure to respond to distress calls made by migrants in 2021, which led to the killing of at least 27 people. The migrants, including six women and one young girl, were travelling on a flimsy boat in the treacherous English Channel. Four dead bodies are yet to be discovered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>French police had earlier filed preliminary charges against 10 people on account of manslaughter and assisting the illegal entry of migrants. Now, preliminary charges against the five military personnel will allow magistrates more time to investigate the case. A total of three&nbsp;magistrates are investigating the case. Currently, the five men are not kept in detention, as France’s strict military code doesn’t permit the authorities to do so.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the allegations against French personnel?</strong></h2>

<p>As per several media reports and judicial files prepared by the investigators, the French maritime rescue personnel ignored a staggering 15 distress calls made by the migrants and instead turned over the responsibility to British authorities. The migrants had also shared their live location on WhatsApp with the French authorities and had alerted them that their boat was sinking and the engine broke down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The on-duty personnel failed to send any assistance to the drifting boat. According to a report by Radio France, the rescue team was not aware about the gravity of the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Meteor lights up the sky over English Channel&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>It was only after 10 hours that the rescue team intervened after fishermen in the area sounded the alarm.</p>

<p>This was the deadliest migration accident on the English Channel in 2021. The incident sent tensions between France and Britain soaring, with both nations lambasting each other for failing to protect the rights of migrants embarking on the deadly path in search of better economic opportunities.</p>

<h2><strong>Indictment welcomed by migrants' organisation</strong></h2>

<p>The news of the indictment of five French personnel was welcomed by Utopia 56, an organisation for migrants. In a statement, the organisation said, “We are naturally pleased that the enquiry is advancing. But beyond the responsibility of individuals to respond to their hierarchy, we want to shed light on the responsibility of both the French and British authorities in this tragedy."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-indian-students-crossing-the-english-channel-to-enter-uk-on-small-boats-558460"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;Why are Indian students crossing the English Channel on small boats?</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite the high fatality rate, migrants from Afghanistan, Iran and Albania continue to risk their lives on the treacherous stretch of the English Channel, with more than 45,000 asylum seekers having crossed the channel in 2022 alone, a record.&nbsp;</p>

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Five French security personnel have been handed a preliminary charge over their failure to respond to distress calls made by migrants in 2021, which led to the killing of at least 27 people.

Five French security personnel have been handed a preliminary charge over their failure to respond to distress calls made by migrants in 2021, which led to the killing of at least 27 people. The migrants, including six women and one young girl, were travelling on a flimsy boat in the treacherous English Channel. Four dead bodies are yet to be discovered. French police had earlier filed preliminary charges against 10 people on account of manslaughter and assisting the illegal entry of migrants. Now, preliminary charges against the five military personnel will allow magistrates more time to investigate the case. A total of three magistrates are investigating the case. Currently, the five men are not kept in detention, as France’s strict military code doesn’t permit the authorities to do so. What are the allegations against French personnel? As per several media reports and judicial files prepared by the investigators, the French maritime rescue personnel ignored a staggering 15 distress calls made by the migrants and instead turned over the responsibility to British authorities. The migrants had also shared their live location on WhatsApp with the French authorities and had alerted them that their boat was sinking and the engine broke down. The on-duty personnel failed to send any assistance to the drifting boat. According to a report by Radio France, the rescue team was not aware about the gravity of the situation. Watch: Meteor lights up the sky over English Channel × It was only after 10 hours that the rescue team intervened after fishermen in the area sounded the alarm. This was the deadliest migration accident on the English Channel in 2021. The incident sent tensions between France and Britain soaring, with both nations lambasting each other for failing to protect the rights of migrants embarking on the deadly path in search of better economic opportunities. Indictment welcomed by migrants' organisation The news of the indictment of five French personnel was welcomed by Utopia 56, an organisation for migrants. In a statement, the organisation said, “We are naturally pleased that the enquiry is advancing. But beyond the responsibility of individuals to respond to their hierarchy, we want to shed light on the responsibility of both the French and British authorities in this tragedy." Also Read | Why are Indian students crossing the English Channel on small boats? Despite the high fatality rate, migrants from Afghanistan, Iran and Albania continue to risk their lives on the treacherous stretch of the English Channel, with more than 45,000 asylum seekers having crossed the channel in 2022 alone, a record. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

France indicts five soldiers for failing to rescue 27 migrants killed in 2021 English Channel tragedy

<p>The Rishi Sunak administration in the UK&nbsp;is planning to use&nbsp;redundant cruise ships, ferries and barges to house asylum seekers in ports around the country, at the cost of millions of pounds to the taxpayer, according to an exclusive report by<em> The Guardian.</em>&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the lawmakers failing to clear the asylum backlog as hotels remain filled to the brim, officials have been told to look at alternatives. As many as 10 cruise liners have been sought, including a&nbsp;used cruise ship from Indonesia which could be docked at a few of the UK ports, big enough to house them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bibby Stockholm, an accommodation vessel owned by Bibby Line, will be anchored at the Portland port from early June with the first batch of migrants soon taking their place on it. More asylum seekers will arrive onboard during the summer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Peel Ports, which&nbsp;operates port infrastructure in the Birkenhead area said it will only accommodate the plans if full engagement is guaranteed by the local council.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, a&nbsp;leading maritime company has also conducted a feasibility study into housing migrants on abandoned oil rigs, according to the publication. However, the government is unlikely to give a nod to the proposal due to safety and logistical difficulties.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-announces-law-to-stop-illegal-immigrants-569817"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK announces law to stop illegal immigrants</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-detain-rishi-sunak-defends-new-bill-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigrants-570071#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<h2><strong>We will detain you: Sunak to illegal migrants</strong></h2>

<p>At the start of the year, Sunak, amid much pomp laid out five pledges for 2023, of which one was to&nbsp;stop migrants from entering the UK illegally.&nbsp;Afterwards, Home Secretary Suella Braverman tabled the Illegal Migration Bill&nbsp;before the House of Commons with the Tory leader simultaneously issuing an ultimatum to illegal migrants crossing the English Channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Stopping the boats is not just my priority, it's the people's priority. Our position is clear, if you arrive here illegally you will not be able to claim asylum," said Sunak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"People must know that if they come here illegally it will result in their detention and swift removal. Once this happens, and they know it will happen — they will not come, and the boats will stop."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Sunak's enthusiasm appeared to take a hit last month when he said his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel "won't happen overnight". He also&nbsp;pushed the timeline to achieve his goals beyond the general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-detain-rishi-sunak-defends-new-bill-for-crackdown-on-illegal-immigrants-570071" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | 'We will detain': UK PM Rishi Sunak defends new bill for crackdown on illegal immigrants</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, former interior minister Priti Patel in April last year brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy"&nbsp;under which immigrants arriving in the UK through "illegal"&nbsp;means would be sent to the African country of Rwanda to seek asylum.</p>

<p>The immigration crisis reached a peak in 2022 when over 45,000 people entered the UK, breaking the previous year's record by more than 17,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Rishi Sunak administration in the UK is planning to use redundant cruise ships, ferries and barges to house asylum seekers in ports around the country, at the cost of millions of pounds to the taxpayer, according to an exclusive report by The Guardian.

The Rishi Sunak administration in the UK is planning to use redundant cruise ships, ferries and barges to house asylum seekers in ports around the country, at the cost of millions of pounds to the taxpayer, according to an exclusive report by The Guardian. With the lawmakers failing to clear the asylum backlog as hotels remain filled to the brim, officials have been told to look at alternatives. As many as 10 cruise liners have been sought, including a used cruise ship from Indonesia which could be docked at a few of the UK ports, big enough to house them. Bibby Stockholm, an accommodation vessel owned by Bibby Line, will be anchored at the Portland port from early June with the first batch of migrants soon taking their place on it. More asylum seekers will arrive onboard during the summer. Meanwhile, Peel Ports, which operates port infrastructure in the Birkenhead area said it will only accommodate the plans if full engagement is guaranteed by the local council. Moreover, a leading maritime company has also conducted a feasibility study into housing migrants on abandoned oil rigs, according to the publication. However, the government is unlikely to give a nod to the proposal due to safety and logistical difficulties. WATCH | UK announces law to stop illegal immigrants × We will detain you: Sunak to illegal migrants At the start of the year, Sunak, amid much pomp laid out five pledges for 2023, of which one was to stop migrants from entering the UK illegally. Afterwards, Home Secretary Suella Braverman tabled the Illegal Migration Bill before the House of Commons with the Tory leader simultaneously issuing an ultimatum to illegal migrants crossing the English Channel. "Stopping the boats is not just my priority, it's the people's priority. Our position is clear, if you arrive here illegally you will not be able to claim asylum," said Sunak. "People must know that if they come here illegally it will result in their detention and swift removal. Once this happens, and they know it will happen — they will not come, and the boats will stop." However, Sunak's enthusiasm appeared to take a hit last month when he said his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel "won't happen overnight". He also pushed the timeline to achieve his goals beyond the general elections. ALSO READ | 'We will detain': UK PM Rishi Sunak defends new bill for crackdown on illegal immigrants Notably, former interior minister Priti Patel in April last year brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy" under which immigrants arriving in the UK through "illegal" means would be sent to the African country of Rwanda to seek asylum. The immigration crisis reached a peak in 2022 when over 45,000 people entered the UK, breaking the previous year's record by more than 17,000. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK: Sunak administration to acquire disused cruise ships to house asylum seekers

On Wednesday 27 migrants died when their dinghy capsized as they made a perilous crossing of the English Channel. British and French officials have already started trading the blame.

Worst migrant crossing disaster in English Channel, 27 migrants killed