Channel migrants: Migrant crossing figure reaches new high
Kent is at the cutting edge of a raft of contemporary challenges as the liminal point between the UK and our relationship with Europe. This story is not about Brexit but another growing phenomenon challenging the UK in general and the rural coast of this county in particular. It tells us:
The number of migrants picked up trying to cross the Channel in May is now higher than the figure for December, when a “major incident” was declared.
Eight men were intercepted in a small boat at about 06:20 BST, bringing the total for May so far to 140.
In December, during mild weather, 138 migrants attempted the journey and Home Secretary Sajid Javid set out a plan for dealing with the problem.
At least 642 migrants have now crossed the Channel since 3 November.
The Home Office said: “Those in need of protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach.”
It added that since January “more than 30 people who arrived illegally in the UK in small boats have been returned to Europe”.