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 able to travel in large groups without ticket checks or intervention from French authorities frequently. Favorable weather conditions could trigger another wave of Channel crossings in the coming days, while smuggling networks have expanded operations by deploying larger inflatable boats capable of carrying over 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 data reveals that 1,087 migrants were returned across the English Channel between August 4 last year and June 30, accounting for 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 limitations in the Labour government’s current policies. New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has insisted there has been a decrease in crossings compared to previous years but acknowledged the need for more action after over 2,000 migrants crossed in just two weeks following his assumption of office.
The “one-in, one-out” deportation deal, introduced to deter illegal crossings, appears to have comprehensively failed. It covers only a small number of migrants, with more individuals being sent across the Channel than returned and dozens of returnees re-entering Britain on new boats.
