In a chilling display of disregard for human life, criminal gangs have once again facilitated the crossing of 200 migrants across the freezing English Channel.
According to a report by Express, despite the deadly weather conditions, these criminals continue to put lives at risk, showing complete indifference to the safety of those they transport.
The Channel, with temperatures plummeting across the UK, is ice-cold, making the journey potentially fatal for those who fall out of the flimsy boats used for transportation.
This reckless act follows the tragic loss of five lives during a similar crossing.
The UK Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is currently facing opposition over his Rwanda plan, which he claims will “stop the boats”.
Mark White, the home and security editor for GB News, commented on the situation, noting that the gangs reduce the number of people on the boats during bad weather to ensure they make it across.
The Mayor of Wimereux, Jean-Luc Dubaele, expressed his anger and frustration at the situation, blaming the UK’s attractive policies towards migrants for encouraging these dangerous journeys.
The Refugee Council has called for decisive action to prevent further tragedies.
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, warned that without a meaningful commitment from the government to expand safe routes for refugees, it’s only a matter of time before another tragedy occurs.
The UK has seen a decrease in the number of Channel crossings, with the figure falling to 29,090 last year from a record high of 45,755 the year before.
However, since 2020, more than 100,000 people have successfully crossed into Britain, according to Home Office figures.
The UK government has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with some arguing that the country’s generous policies towards migrants are attracting them rather than deterring them.
The total cost for housing, feeding, and caring for illegal migrants was a staggering £3.7 billion in 2022.
Some argue that the UK should follow Poland’s example in dealing with its migrant crisis by mobilizing its army for border control.
Others suggest that the UK should encourage France to adopt Belgium’s approach, which has proven effective in reducing small boat crossings.
The UK has signed a £480 million deal with France to boost the number of French patrols and pay for more drones, radar technology, and beach buggies to prevent migrants from reaching the water.
Despite these measures, the problem persists, with the mayor of the French town where five asylum seekers died recently blaming Britain’s benefits system for encouraging thousands to cross the Channel.
The UK government insists that its strategy to break the business model of the criminal people smuggling gangs is working, with small boat arrivals down by 36%.
However, as the recent events show, the situation remains critical, and more decisive action is needed to prevent further loss of life.
