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THE Home Secretary has pledged to increase the number of returns to France following a chartered flight that transported 16 small boat migrants back across the Channel.
In total, 42 migrants have now been returned as part of the Government's one-in-one-out agreement.
A total of 36,734 individuals have now crossed the Channel this year.Credit: Getty
Shabana Mahmood stated: ‘I will increase these removals to France.’Credit: Alamy
However, despite the possibility of being returned, an additional 369 individuals arrived on Saturday across seven dinghies.
The UK has now welcomed 23 individuals under the agreement.
She remarked: “For many years, illegal migrants entered our country without any repercussions.
“This is the largest return flight under our historic agreement with the French authorities.
“And it serves as a warning to those contemplating illegal entry into this country: if you arrive here by small boat, you can be sent back.
“This is only the beginning – I will enhance these removals to France, and I will do whatever is necessary to secure our borders.”
Additional flights are anticipated in the coming days and weeks.
A total of 36,734 individuals have now crossed this year, just 82 short of the total for all of 2024, which was 36,816.
Border security chief Martin Hewitt informed MPs last week that the number of arrivals by small boat to the UK is “frustrating,” but emphasized that efforts to dismantle the smuggling routes will “always take time.”
This week will feature a leaders’ summit with Western Balkan countries to discuss further strategies to reduce the number of migrants arriving illegally in the UK.
What measures is the UK government taking to manage illegal migration?
The UK government is increasing the number of returns to France for illegal migrants and has implemented a one-in-one-out agreement to manage arrivals effectively.
How many migrants have crossed the Channel this year?
As of now, a total of 36,734 migrants have crossed the Channel this year.
Are there any upcoming initiatives to address illegal migration?
Yes, there will be a leaders' summit with Western Balkan countries to discuss further measures aimed at reducing the number of illegal migrants arriving in the UK.
