Despite promises by the home secretary to make the route across the Channel “unviable”, the number of people completing the crossing has reached record highs.
“Taking back control” of Britain’s borders was a key rallying cry for Vote Leave during the Brexit referendum – but the UK’s departure from the EU may have made the country a more attractive destination for illegal migration.
In August, the home secretary promised to make the route across the Channel “unviable”, but the number of people crossing in small boats has reached record highs.
On Wednesday, 27 people died in the waters near Calais in the worst incident of its kind in the Channel since the current migrant crisis began.
France begins grim task of identifying the victims – live updates
So far in 2021 more than 25,700 people have completed the perilous journey across the Dover Strait, the busiest shipping lane in the world – three times the total for 2020.
Of these people who have made it to UK shores, the government’s immigration minister revealed last week just five people had been returned to Europe.
Thomas Pursglove, a minister for the Home Office and Ministry of Justice said there had been “difficulties securing returns”.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/has-brexit-made-the-uk-more-attractive-for-illegal-migration-12477985
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