More than 600 migrants arrived in the UK in small boats in a 24-hour period this week, according to provisional data published on the Government's website. The total of 609 crossings was recorded on Monday, with 418 arrivals the day before and 338 on Tuesday.
Daily arrival figures
Eight vessels arrived on Monday, with five boats arriving on each of the days either side. The figures are taken from provisional UK and French operational data and are subject to change.
The Government notes that the small boat arrivals figures may differ from those published in the final official statistics on Immigration system statistics, which undergo a more thorough quality assurance process. The quarterly release presents final and authoritative statistics on small boat arrivals.
Definition and exclusions
A small boat is one of a number of vessels used by individuals crossing the English Channel with the aim of gaining entry to the UK without a visa or permission to enter, either by landing directly or being intercepted at sea. The most common small vessels detected are rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), dinghies and kayaks.
The data does not include people who arrive on larger vessels, such as go-fast craft, yachts, motor cruisers, tugs and fishing vessels; those arriving clandestinely on larger vessels, including hidden in a vehicle on a ferry; those prevented from departing France or intercepted by French authorities; or those arriving undetected.
Protest and arrest
Separately, a 38-year-old man has been charged with failing to comply with restrictions imposed on a protest against the arrival of migrants in Gosport after a small boat crossing. Hampshire Constabulary said around 350 people left Haslar Road at around 2am on Monday after a group of migrants were brought ashore by coastguard, lifeboat and border security staff.
The force had imposed conditions under the Public Order Act as well as powers prohibiting the wearing of face coverings. A total of 12 people were arrested, including 11 men aged between 22 and 59, and one 57-year-old woman, on suspicion of offences including assaulting a police officer, drunk and disorderly, failing to comply with conditions, criminal damage and racially aggravated public order.
Jamie Bennett, of Thyme Avenue, Whiteley, has been charged with failing to comply with a dispersal order under Section 35 powers, excluding a person from an area.
Seven-day data
The full data for the last seven days shows: 1 October – 0 arrivals on 0 boats; 2 October – 91 arrivals on 1 boat; 3 October – 164 arrivals on 2 boats; 4 October – 418 arrivals on 5 boats; 5 October – 609 arrivals on 8 boats; 6 October – 338 arrivals on 5 boats; 7 October – 119 arrivals on 2 boats.
