GB News has reported that over 1,300 illegal migrants have crossed the English Channel since Christmas Day, with hundreds more arriving today.
This recent surge has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of the UK’s immigration policies and how to handle the increasing number of people making the dangerous journey.
Former MEP Steven Woolfe strongly criticized Labour’s decision to cancel the Rwanda policy, which was designed to deter illegal crossings by sending migrants to Rwanda for processing.
He called the move a “terrible idea” and warned it has removed the only serious deterrent to stop these crossings. Speaking to GB News, Woolfe revealed that over 150,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats since 2018. He compared this figure to the population of cities like Portsmouth or Gateshead to show the scale of the issue.
Woolfe also pointed out that these figures do not include other ways migrants enter the UK, such as those who overstay visas, arrive by plane, or hide in the backs of lorries. If these additional numbers are included, the total becomes much larger.
He argued that a policy like the Rwanda scheme is essential for stopping both the boats and the criminal networks facilitating these crossings.
This year has seen record numbers of crossings, with the Home Office confirming that 305 people arrived in small boats on December 27, 407 on Boxing Day, and 451 on Christmas Day.
Today alone, at least 250 migrants have arrived in five boats. This brings the total for 2024 to 36,500 migrants, a 25% increase from last year.
Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Philp, also commented on the issue, blaming his party’s decision to scrap the Rwanda scheme for the rise in crossings. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has suggested a focus on international cooperation with European law enforcement agencies to tackle the problem.
Despite government efforts, the crossings continue, even under dangerous conditions. Thick fog in the Channel has made it harder for large container ships to spot the small boats, increasing the risk of accidents. Maritime experts have warned that this puts the migrants in greater danger.
Woolfe concluded his remarks by urging Labour to propose a strong deterrent policy to address the crisis. However, he expressed doubt that they will take meaningful action, adding that without a clear strategy, the number of crossings will likely continue to rise.
