Channel migrants: More than 30,000 cross in small boats this year

More than 30,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year, government figures have shown.

Among the latest arrivals at Dungeness in Kent were children wrapped in blankets and people in winter coats.

Several groups of people were also seen arriving along the coast at Dover on Wednesday.

Last week, the number of people to cross this year exceeded the total for 2021. Figures for small boat crossings have grown steadily in recent years.

On Wednesday 667 people crossed the Channel in 15 small boats, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed, bringing the total number of arrivals this year to 30,549.

So far this month 5,475 people have made the journey.

A government spokesman said the continued rise in crossings was "a clear abuse of our immigration laws, risking the lives of vulnerable people and funding immoral criminal gangs".

He said: "Despite the lies they have been sold by the people smugglers, migrants who travel through safe countries to illegally enter the UK will not be allowed to start a new life here."

By Simon Jones, BBC South East

This is another milestone figure for Channel crossings in what is fast becoming a milestone year.

There have been more arrivals on Thursday in Dover and Dungeness, further adding to numbers.

There was some surprise the Prime Minister did not discuss the issue with the French President when they met earlier this week, and the new Home Secretary Suella Braverman is yet to outline any changes in policy to try to stop the crossings.

This is certainly a big political issue on both sides of the Channel, and the government here is pinning its hopes on sending some asylum seekers to Rwanda to act as a deterrent.

But in the shorter term, the way forward is far from clear.

The charity Care4Calais called for the government to help provide safe routes for people to claim asylum.

Clare Moseley, from the charity, said: "There is a more effective and humane approach that will reduce small boat crossings, put the people smugglers out of business and save lives.

"That is to provide safe passage for refugees in a similar way to how visas were issued to Ukrainians."

Anyone who crossed in genuine need of asylum would be "in scope" to be relocated to Rwanda, the government spokesman said.

A High Court challenge is under way over the policy which was announced by former Home Secretary Priti Patel in April.

Lawyers for the home secretary have argued concerns over the scheme from the United Nations are misplaced.

The second stage of the legal case is expected to take place in October.

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