Illegal Migrant Crossings SOAR: 2024 Set to Be Worst Year Yet as Labour Blasted for Ditching Rwanda Plan

Between January and February 6 this year, a record-breaking 1,489 illegal migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats. This number is higher than the 1,335 who crossed during the same period last year and the 1,442 in 2023.

.The UK Home Office says the increase is because there were more days with good weather, making it easier for migrants to attempt the dangerous journey.

Since the Labour Party took power last summer, they have been struggling to deal with the rising number of migrants crossing the Channel.

They promised to take strong action against the criminal gangs that organize these dangerous trips and make money from smuggling people. However, critics say Labour’s decisions have made the problem worse.

Chris Philip, the Shadow Home Secretary, has strongly criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for ending the Rwanda deportation plan, calling it a “stupid” move.

The Rwanda plan was a policy to send some illegal migrants to Rwanda to discourage others from making the journey.

Philip also accused Labour of being weak, saying their new “Border Surrender Bill” would make it easier for illegal immigrants to stay in the UK and eventually become citizens.

Richard Tice, the Deputy Leader of the Reform Party, also criticized the government. He said the Prime Minister’s plan to “smash the gangs” has backfired and actually encouraged more migrants to come. Tice argued that the government should change its approach and adopt stricter policies, like turning boats back at sea.

Next week, Members of Parliament (MPs) will vote on a new Borders Bill proposed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. This bill would give immigration authorities stronger powers to tackle human traffickers, similar to the powers used in counter-terrorism efforts. The goal is to make it harder for criminal gangs to operate and to reduce the number of dangerous crossings.

While the number of crossings is currently at a record high, it’s unclear if this trend will continue for the rest of the year. For example, in 2022, there were 1,339 crossings by this time, but by the end of the year, it became the worst year ever with 45,755 illegal arrivals.

In 2024, there were 36,816 crossings, up from 29,437 the previous year. One reason for the increase is that more people are being crammed into each boat, making the journey even more dangerous.

In summary, the UK is facing a growing challenge with illegal migrant crossings, and the government is under pressure to find effective solutions.

Critics argue that current policies are not working and that stronger measures are needed to stop the criminal gangs and reduce the number of people risking their lives to cross the Channel.