Ministers privately fear explosion in Channel migrant crossings after 200% spike in Italy

Ministers fear the number of migrants crossing the Channel could surge like it has in Europe The Government is concerned that the UK could see a sharp rise in the number of asylum seekers crossing the Channel, mirroring similar increases in treacherous journeys across the Mediterranean. Earlier critics said people smugglers were ‘making fools’ of Britain as figures showed more than 100,000 people have reached UK shores in small boats since the crisis began in 2018. Experts warned a ‘global movement of people’ will continue to put huge pressure on Border Force and the French authorities. Over 100,000 people have reached UK shores in small boats since 2018 Tony Smith, the former Director General of Border Force, said: ‘This is a very worrying landmark, not least because the government has been promising to take back control of our borders and stop the boats for some time now; and has not been able to do so. ‘But we must keep this in context. There is a global movement of people underway, and we are not immune from that. ‘The government is doing all it can to prevent more crossings, within the confines of international law. ‘The big question for them is whether or not the Supreme Court declares their Rwanda policy lawful. ‘We absolutely have to get removals going again to deter new arrivals. Now we have the new Illegal Immigration Act there is every chance we can do so; but only if the courts agree. Until then, I fear the boats will keep coming.’ Dozens more migrants have arrived in the UK by small boat today A Government minister told the Daily Express the number of illegal migrants who have reached Italy is up ‘200 percent and rising fast’ and that it is ‘certainly possible’ it could lead to a spike in attempts to reach the UK in coming weeks. Ministers have admitted it is ‘very concerning’ that 100,000 asylum seekers have risked their lives to cross the Channel in flimsy dinghies. And it is ‘little comfort’ that the UK is doing ‘comparatively well’ as Europe grapples with its own migration crisis. At least 11 vessels were detected in the Channel today, prompting fears ‘the boats will keep coming’ as the weather improves. August, September and October are the ‘peak months’ for migrant crossings, Border Force believes. A Daily Express team today witnessed a dinghy, with dozens of asylum seekers barely above the waterline, being rescued by Border Force in the middle of the Channel. And four lifeboats were scrambled today after migrants were plunged into the water. Everyone in the Channel was ‘accounted for’ and brought safely to shore, rescue teams said. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Migrant camp in Dunkirk, France Critics warned smuggling gangs are ‘making a fool of us’ by helping tens of thousands of migrants to reach the UK despite repeated attempts to end the crisis. Conservative MP Lee Anderson told GB News: ‘I’m very angry about the number. Again, very angry, as you know, every single day when I see these illegal migrants and let’s be clear on what they are. ‘They’re illegal migrants. They’re not genuine asylum seekers. ‘It’s been very, very difficult for the Government. I’ve been banging out about it since I got elected. ‘We’ve now got the agreement with Turkey in place, we’ve got the agreement with Albania, with the Illegal Migration Bill. Hopefully, the Rwanda scheme will be up and running once they sort this decision out at the Supreme Court.’ Trending On passing the 100,000 milestone, Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, said: ‘100,000 is a landmark. ‘Criminals are making fools of us. Billions are being spent on accommodation and our asylum system is overwhelmed. It seems the weather is better able to defend our borders than the Border Force. ‘It is time to change our laws so that the British Government has the final word on who can enter and who can stay in the UK.’ Italy has seen around 93,700 migrant arrivals by sea so far this year, according to interior ministry data last updated on Monday, compared to 44,700 in the same period of 2022. Analysis by the EU’s external borders agency, Frontex, also revealed the number of asylum seekers crossing the Mediterranean from northern Africa has increased by 137 percent. Tens of thousands of migrants reach Italian shores every year