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Migrant Channel crossings could hit another record as '27 boats counted in'

The Telegraph witnessed one migrant boat struggling in choppy waters in the Channel last week - Steve Finn
The Telegraph witnessed one migrant boat struggling in choppy waters in the Channel last week - Steve Finn

A record number of migrants could reach the UK in small boats on Tuesday, with early reports saying at least 27 vessels have made it into British waters and even hit land.

Earlier this month, some 416 people in 27 boats made the dangerous journey and arrived in the UK.

Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, said Britain was a "target and magnet" for people traffickers and asylum laws must change, but there has been little progress in stemming the flow despite the UK boosting its Channel surveillance with millions of pounds worth of military drones and aircraft.

The Telegraph understands that at least 300 people reached Britain on Tuesday, with more incidents ongoing. The first boat landed on Shakespeare beach, near Dover, at 4am.

A source in the area said: "It is an absolute deluge today. This is the last window of opportunity before the weather turns. The coastguard have counted in 27 boats, one of which was carrying 32 people."

It is thought that at least 300 migrants reached Britain on Tuesday - Gareth Fuller/PA
It is thought that at least 300 migrants reached Britain on Tuesday - Gareth Fuller/PA

Vessel tracking shows that the Coastguard helicopter has been flying over the area, while Border Force vessels Speedwell, Searcher and Eagle have all been in action.

Last week, The Telegraph was in the Channel when a French navy patrol boat escorted a small inflatable carrying 16 Afghans into British waters and abandoned them. The boat was struggling in the water for more than 40 minutes until those aboard were rescued by Border Force.

The actions of the French were roundly condemned, especially after the country's president, Emmanuel Macron, had pledged to work more closely with the British authorities.

On Tuesday, the newly appointed Clandestine Channel Threat Commander, Dan O'Mahoney, met the French ambassador in London. It is thought that the pair committed to work more closely together, in much the same message that has been trumpeted all year.

On Tuesday night, the French Navy said they had returned 88 migrants in six boats to France.

More than 6,400 people have crossed the Channel in this way in 2020 alone – more than three times as many as last year.

The Home Office has been approached for comment.