More than 2,000 migrants have illegally crossed the English Channel in small boats so far in 2024, down by around one-third on this time last year.
This is 32 percent lower than the total recorded at this stage in 2023 (2,953) but 49 percent higher than the total for this time period in 2022, when 1,482 were recorded.
While the Home Office had detected zero illegal entrants in the six days prior, Sunday’s arrivals mark the highest number of migrants making the crossing in one day for more than a month, after 358 people arrived on Jan. 17.
2023 Migrant Arrivals Down on 2022
On Friday, Home Secretary James Cleverly and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson signed an agreement that would see increased cooperation between the Border Force and the EU’s border agency Frontex to stop illegal migration, namely Channel boat crossings.Last year, 29,437 migrants illegally arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel, down 36 percent on a record 45,774 arrivals in 2022.
The government said in a statement last week that the “decrease in crossing numbers is testament to the tough measures we have introduced, the hard work of our dedicated Border Force officers and our work with French counterparts.”
Locals Fight to Stop Migrants Being Housed at RAF Scampton
The figures came as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak denied ignoring the concerns of locals living near the disused RAF Scampton in Lincoln, which is set to house 2,000 male illegal migrants. The site was once home of the famous 617 “Dambuster” Squadron and later the Red Arrows.Mr. Sunak told BBC Radio Lincolnshire on Monday that he understands “people’s frustration,” continuing: “I wish we were not having to do any of this, whether it’s RAF Scampton or other sites across the country, or indeed in hotels and communities across our country that now are being used to house illegal migrants.
“I don’t think any of that is right and it costs a fortune.”
“I’m confident that we really will be able to stop the boats and that will mean that we won’t have this pressure in all our local areas to find places to house illegal migrants,” Mr. Sunak said.
The prime minister said the former airbase would be used on a “temporary basis,” although the government could extend its use as migrant housing for a further three years.
On Feb. 2, West Lindsey District Council launched a fresh legal bid to block the government from getting planning permission to house migrants at the site until at least April 2027.
The council is concerned moving migrants into RAF Scampton will jeopardise a £300 million regeneration investment in the area. There are also concerns about preserving the site.
Councillor Trevor Young said this month, “It is important for us to preserve the historical and architectural integrity of the listed structures and the setting at RAF Scampton as they contribute significantly to the cultural heritage of the area.”