 The highest number of migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the English Channel reached an all time high yesterday. Some 686 people were detected to have made the journey on Friday, according to Home Office figures. This passes this year's pervious high of 549 recorded on June 11. It means the number of crossings in 2023 now stands at a provisional total of 12,119, compared with around 13,000 at the same point last year. The number who made the crossing in 2022 reached a record 45,755, prompting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to make tackling the crossings a priority for his Government this year. On Friday there were 13 boats detected crossing the Channel, suggesting an average of around 53 people per boat. RNLI lifeboat crews saved the lives of 108 migrants last year after small boats would get into difficulty during the 'perilous' journey. The charity has previously been accused of operating a 'migrant taxi service' with its rescues. The number of crossings in 2023 now stands at a provisional total of 12,119 (Picture: PA) Chief executive Mark Dowie said the RNLI is 'unashamed and makes no apology for staying committed to and focused on the purpose we were created for, nearly 200 years ago – to save lives at sea'. Migrant rescues were launched in the Channel 290 times during 2022 – 3% of the 9,312 total nationwide. This is despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledging to 'stop the boats'. His controversial Rwanda deportation scheme was ruled unlawful by three High Court judges. The RNLI saved the lives of 108 migrants (Picture: PA) In the judgment, Sir Geoffrey Vos said there were 'substantial grounds' to think that asylum seekers faced 'real risks' of torture or inhuman treatment, or that their claims for asylum would not be properly determined in Rwanda. Mr Sunak issued a blistering statement following the ruling, where he confirmed an appeal would be made to the S){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The highest number of migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the English Channel reached an all time high yesterday.
Some 686 people were detected to have made the journey on Friday, according to Home Office figures.
This passes this year’s pervious high of 549 recorded on June 11.
It means the number of crossings in 2023 now stands at a provisional total of 12,119, compared with around 13,000 at the same point last year.