Illegal migrants
Topics covered
Figures reveal that more than 20,000 people have made dangerous trips to the UK across the English Channel since the start of the year. They have got into small boats. About 456 people were saved by UK authorities. They tried to cross on Tuesday.
Based on data, some 19,756 people had already arrived in the UK in small boats after sailing busy shipping lanes from France.
Dan O’Mahoney, Clandestine Channel Threat Commander for the Home Office, explained the journey as “dangerous, unnecessary and facilitated by rough criminal gangs gaining from agony”.
He added that the government is operating with the French to stop boats leaving their beaches and crackdown on the criminals driving these crossings. The French authorities also stopped 343 people from entering the UK on Tuesday.
Three people are thought to be unaccounted for after trying to cross from France to the UK in a dinghy.
Last week, Home Secretary Priti Patel called that incident “horrifying” and an “absolute tragedy”.
Chief executive Sacha Deshmukh said in a statement that people need to memorise that these unsafe crossings are happening because the Government has contributed no safe alternative for people to use their right to seek shelter here.
“Tragically, the Government seems more interested in playing politics with asylum than in fulfilling its responsibilities toward people in need of a place of safety,” added her.
Emergency services respond to a significant road traffic incident affecting travel times.
Steve Borthwick's squad aims to end losing streak with key player returns.
A sudden explosion near Meethill Skate Park leaves residents shaken and curious.
Local authorities respond swiftly to reported attempted abduction of a child.
Join thousands at the new location for an unforgettable fireworks night.
Residents express concern after a pyrotechnic device explosion leads to a collision.
Daniel Sutherland faces serious charges following a violent incident in Tain.
Travelers face delays and cancellations as ScotRail responds to disruption.
A 27-year-old woman dies in a collision with a lorry, prompting police appeal for information.
The new Aldi store in Macduff is set to open in December, boosting local shopping options.