The United Kingdom multiplies the setbacks in its policy against illegal immigration. Since the lockdown of the port of Calais and the Eurotunnel terminal, it is practically impossible to get migrants through in trucks. But the smugglers turned to another option, the sea route. Thus, more than 100,715 migrants have crossed the Channel illegally since 2018, according to an AFP count. Thursday alone, 755 migrants who made the perilous crossing to the English coast were spotted – a daily record since the beginning of the year – according to the British Ministry of the Interior.
Brexit promises to “take back control” of borders were not enough. The number of migrants who managed to arrive on British soil in small boats hit a record in 2022, with 45,000 people. Since the beginning of the year, they are 15.826, suggesting a downward trend.
Rishi Sunak promised to “stop the boats”
Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has vowed to “stop the boats”, as polls predict a victory for the Labor opposition in the general elections due next year.
The British government has multiplied announcements in recent days in order to combat the phenomenon. He also announced this week that he had set up a team to tackle “lawyers who help migrants exploit the immigration system” in Britain. He also reinforced this aid his financial support to France to monitor the coasts.