More than 1,000 migrants arrive in small boats
Small boat crossings are up compared to last year, with over 1,000 illegal migrants making the dangerous trip already. Just this past weekend, 388 migrants arrived in seven dinghies, bringing the total for 2024 to 1,057. This is higher than the 991 recorded at the same point last year, dealing an early blow to Rishi Sunak's efforts to stop the boats.
PM's efforts to curb crossings
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently celebrated a 36% decrease in overall crossings in 2023 compared to 2022. He attributed this to a half-billion-pound deal with France to increase beach patrols and return agreements with countries like Albania. By spring, Sunak hopes to send the first removal flight to Rwanda as a deterrent for potential Channel migrants.
Deportation plan faces challenges
However, the flagship deportation plan is likely to face obstacles in the House of Lords today. Peers are expected to send the bill back to MPs with amendments that could significantly impact the scheme. Despite this, Sunak has urged the unelected chamber not to obstruct the Rwanda scheme that was passed in the Commons.
Shadow Immigration Minister Stephen Kinnock criticized the Prime Minister, stating, "After all the Prime Minister's boasts, almost 400 people crossed the Channel in small boats over the weekend."
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/politics/former-tory-mp-nadine-dorries-to-return-over-16000-in-mistaken-severance-pay/
