First migrants reach UK after crossing Channel in two weeks | Politics News

Migrants have crossed the English Channel and reached the UK for the first time in two weeks.

People in life jackets and coats were seen disembarking a Border Force boat in Ramsgate, Kent, on Wednesday.

A break in the recent bout of poor weather allowed for the launching of several crossing attempts, reports have suggested.

Some 74 migrants arrived on Tuesday, according to Home Office data.

It was the first crossing since 9 February, which saw 322 people reach the UK.

So far this month 597 migrants have crossed the Channel.

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It comes after an inquiry into the deadliest Channel crossing on record said small boat crossings “must end” in order to prevent further deaths.

A crowded inflatable boat had capsized overnight on 23/24 November 2021, leaving just two survivors who were found in French waters nearly 12 hours after the first mayday.

The independent probe, led by Sir Ross Cranston and costing more than £7m, identified 27 men, women and children among the dead, while four are still missing, and said “some of those deaths were avoidable”.

The inquiry found “systemic failures, missed opportunities” and “chronic staff shortages” in the UK’s maritime response contributed directly to the failure to rescue people.