Record Number of Asylum Seekers Reach England's Shores Amidst Rishi Sunak's Anti-Migration Pledge
On Saturday, dozens of asylum-seeking migrants reached the southern coast of England in two rubber dinghies, making the risky sea crossing from France.
A French naval vessel followed them until they reached English waters, where they were taken aboard a British Border Force vessel off Dover.
The arrivals, mostly male and some wearing orange life jackets, highlight the challenges for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in his promise to tackle illegal migration and "stop the boats," as more than 8,000 people have arrived this year on small boats, many fleeing war or famine and traveling through Europe to Britain, making it a record year for such arrivals.
The UK government, led by Rishi Sunak, plans to deport illegal immigrants arriving in Britain to Rwanda in an effort to deter Channel crossings.
Five people died attempting the crossing last month.
The first flights to Rwanda are expected to begin in 9-11 weeks.
The Home Office spokesperson emphasized the need to implement this policy soon due to the increasing number of crossings and the violence and disruption faced by French police.