Dozens of people in two rubber dinghies have reached the southern coast of England, the latest among thousands of asylum-seeking migrants to make the risky sea crossing from France this year.

Dover

Dozens of asylum-seeking migrants reached the southern coast of England in two rubber dinghies, highlighting the ongoing challenge of illegal migration faced by the country. These individuals are part of a larger group of over 8,000 people who have made the perilous journey across the Channel from France in an attempt to seek asylum, marking a record number for such arrivals.

The situation underscores the difficulties facing British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in fulfilling his promise to curb illegal migration and "stop the boats," especially with a national election anticipated later in the year. Sunak's policy aims to deter these crossings by planning to deport migrants arriving without permission to Rwanda. This approach is intended to reduce the number of people undertaking the dangerous crossing, during which at least five individuals died last month.

The latest arrivals proceeded across the narrow sea separating France and Britain, monitored by a French naval vessel until they entered English waters. Upon arrival, the predominantly male group was taken aboard a British border force vessel off Dover. In response to these events, a spokesperson for Britain's Home Office emphasized the necessity of initiating deportation flights to Rwanda promptly, mentioning that the first flights are hoped to commence within nine to eleven weeks. This measure is seen as a critical step toward addressing what is described as an "unacceptable" level of Channel crossings.



Asylum seekers arrive in England despite Rwanda threat

Dozens of people in two rubber dinghies reached the southern coast of England on Saturday. They are among thousands of asylum-seeking migrants to make the risky trip across the Channel from France this year. The arrivals illustrate the difficulties British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces on his pledge to tackle illegal migration and, quote, stop the boats ahead of a national election expected later this year. Sunak hopes his flagship policy to deport those arriving in Britain to Rwanda without permission will deter people from making the Channel crossing. But the more than 8,000 people who have arrived on small boats so far in 2024 make for a record number. At least five people died in the attempt last month, as many flee war or famine. Saturday's boats sailed across the narrow strip of sea separating France and Britain, with a French naval vessel following them until they reached English waters. Their largely male passengers were taken aboard a British border force vessel off Dover. The government hopes to operate the first flights to Rwanda in nine to 11 weeks. A spokesperson for Britain's Home Office said, quote, the unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel demonstrates exactly why we must get flights to Rwanda off the ground as soon as possible.

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