Channel migrants: Small boats arrivals top 7,500 this year

Five people, including a seven-year-old girl, were killed in a crush on board a boat crossing the English Channel last week.

On Wednesday, it was reported that the first failed asylum seeker has gone to Rwanda under a voluntary removals programme which the government has said will deter future migrants from crossing the Channel.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak vowed to “stop the boats” as one of five key pledges a year ago.

The English Channel is one of the most dangerous and busiest shipping lanes in the world.

Many migrants come from some of the poorest and most chaotic parts of the world, and many ask to claim asylum once they are picked up by the UK authorities.

The Home Office spokesperson added that it was continuing “to work closely with French police who are facing increasing violence and disruption on their beaches as they work tirelessly to prevent these dangerous, illegal and unnecessary journeys”.