Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Flora Thompson

Babies wrapped in blankets brought to safety after Channel crossings

PA Wire

Babies wearing woollen hats and wrapped in blankets were carried to safety as Channel crossings continued for a fifth day this week.

Since Sunday, 761 migrants have made the journey to the UK, navigating busy shipping lanes from France in dinghies and other small boats.

Crossings continued on Friday despite fog and choppy waters, with several men as well as some women and children seen being led ashore by officials in Dover, Kent.

People arrive in Dover, Kent, as Channel crossings continued on Friday (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

At least 7,454 people have arrived in the UK so far this year, analysis of government figures by the PA news agency shows.

That includes 65 migrants detected in the Channel in two boats on Thursday, 149 in four boats on Tuesday, 293 in nine boats on Monday, and 254 in seven boats on Sunday.

No crossings were recorded on Wednesday amid poor weather conditions, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is yet to publish official figures for the number of crossings on Friday.

The annual total to date is more than triple the tally for this time last year.

A young child is carried as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the Government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda as a “solution” to curbing Channel crossings, having previously said tens of thousands of people could be flown there under the agreement.

But The Times reported that modelling by Home Office officials indicated that only 300 a year could be sent to the east African nation.

Asked about the forecast, the department said it does not recognise the figure and there is no cap on the number of people who may be sent to Rwanda.

A spokesman said: “The entire Government is united in our efforts to prevent lethal crossings, save lives and disrupt illegal migration.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.