Reports are surfacing that people involved in smuggling operations for illegal Channel crossings are now resorting to ‘buy one get one free’ offers to entice migrants.
This alarming trend has heightened concerns surrounding the growing number of perilous journeys across the Channel, and it’s shedding light on the harsh realities faced by those attempting this treacherous route. Government officials have disclosed that even if migrants are intercepted during their journey, many of them are undeterred and make repeated attempts.
Sources have provided insight into the tactics employed by these smugglers. They promise migrants that if they are apprehended by authorities on their initial attempt, they will receive another opportunity to try again. This tactic is causing alarm among officials and humanitarian organizations alike.
The revelation comes just a day after the former French envoy to Britain, Sylvie Bermann, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of Rishi Sunak’s ‘stop the boats’ pledge. Bermann emphasized the immense challenge posed by the vast expanse of the Channel, making it extremely difficult to prevent all crossings.
This concern is underscored by a recent tragic incident in which a small boat capsized in the Channel, resulting in the loss of six lives. French authorities arrested four individuals in connection with this tragedy, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the Channel since November 2021 when 27 people lost their lives.
The perilous journey across the Channel has seen a significant increase in recent years, with over 100,000 people making this dangerous trip since record-keeping began in 2018. The situation remains dire, as new figures indicate that 444 individuals arrived in the UK on eight separate boats in a single day. This brings the provisional total for 2023 to a staggering 17,234, according to an analysis by the PA news agency of Home Office data.
The escalation in these ‘buy one get one free’ deals offered by smugglers highlights the growing desperation of migrants and underscores the persistent challenges faced by authorities in addressing this ongoing humanitarian crisis. It’s a complex issue that demands careful attention and collaborative solutions from all involved parties.
