More than 10,000 alleged asylum seekers have crossed the English Channel into the United Kingdom so far this year after additional arrivals were brought ashore in Kent on Thursday, according to official figures and operational updates.
By mid-afternoon, the total for the year so far had crossed the 10,000 mark after a Border Force vessel, Volunteer, docked at Dover carrying 97 migrants intercepted in UK waters. Earlier in the day, 236 people were transferred to the same port after being picked up from small boats in the Channel.
Weather conditions remained calm enough for crossings to continue, and authorities were tracking at least two additional boats in French waters heading toward the UK. If those vessels reach British shores, Thursday’s total is expected to rise above 350 arrivals.
On Monday alone, 710 migrants arrived in 11 dinghies, marking the highest single-day total recorded so far this year.
The latest figures come as the UK government continues its efforts with French authorities to reduce crossings. French riot police units have recently been deployed along coastal areas under a bilateral agreement between London and Paris.
Speaking at the G7 summit in Evian, France, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deployment forms part of a wider enforcement arrangement.
“These elite units are just one element of the landmark deal between our countries that is taking our collaboration to the next level,” Sir Keir Starmer said. “Operations like this meant that almost half of all attempted crossings were halted by the French last month – so we’re boosting them further to continue to drive down crossings.”
The agreement, signed in April includes the deployment of 50 officers from France’s Compagnie Republican de Securite (CRS), a unit typically used for crowd control and public order operations.
Downing Street has said the cooperation has contributed to a reported 40 per cent interception rate in May, with French authorities stopping a significant portion of attempted departures.
Despite this, 2,726 people still made the crossing in May, around 1,000 fewer than the same month last year, according to government data. The UK has also agreed to contribute up to £662 million over five years to support French coastal patrol operations under the same agreement.
Officials say further operational activity is expected over the coming days if weather conditions continue to support crossings.
By mid-afternoon, the total for the year so far had crossed the 10,000 mark after a Border Force vessel, Volunteer, docked at Dover carrying 97 migrants intercepted in UK waters. Earlier in the day, 236 people were transferred to the same port after being picked up from small boats in the Channel.
Weather conditions remained calm enough for crossings to continue, and authorities were tracking at least two additional boats in French waters heading toward the UK. If those vessels reach British shores, Thursday’s total is expected to rise above 350 arrivals.
On Monday alone, 710 migrants arrived in 11 dinghies, marking the highest single-day total recorded so far this year.
The latest figures come as the UK government continues its efforts with French authorities to reduce crossings. French riot police units have recently been deployed along coastal areas under a bilateral agreement between London and Paris.
Speaking at the G7 summit in Evian, France, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deployment forms part of a wider enforcement arrangement.
“These elite units are just one element of the landmark deal between our countries that is taking our collaboration to the next level,” Sir Keir Starmer said. “Operations like this meant that almost half of all attempted crossings were halted by the French last month – so we’re boosting them further to continue to drive down crossings.”
The agreement, signed in April includes the deployment of 50 officers from France’s Compagnie Republican de Securite (CRS), a unit typically used for crowd control and public order operations.
Downing Street has said the cooperation has contributed to a reported 40 per cent interception rate in May, with French authorities stopping a significant portion of attempted departures.
Despite this, 2,726 people still made the crossing in May, around 1,000 fewer than the same month last year, according to government data. The UK has also agreed to contribute up to £662 million over five years to support French coastal patrol operations under the same agreement.
Officials say further operational activity is expected over the coming days if weather conditions continue to support crossings.
