The Home Office has confirmed that Border Force officials intercepted 13 boats carrying more than 130 migrants arriving in the UK on Friday. The department stated it was dealing with 'a number of ongoing incidents' as small boat crossings continued, with young children wearing lifejackets seen arriving in Dover.
The statement followed reports that Home Secretary Priti Patel is considering sending the Royal Navy to tackle a surge in Channel migrant crossings. At least 235 migrants made the journey on Thursday in 17 boats, setting a new single-day record. Kent County Council reported that 60 unaccompanied migrant children had arrived in the last eight days, with 23 taken into care on Friday alone.
The Times reported that ministers are considering blocking migrant boats before they enter British waters, a tactic modelled on Australia's approach. Damian Collins, Conservative MP for Folkestone and Hythe, described the numbers as 'shamefully high' and said having the Navy in the Channel 'won't solve the problem unless they can patrol French waters'.
A Ministry of Defence source described the suggestion as 'inappropriate and unnecessary', arguing that military resources should not be used to address 'political failings'. The source added: 'It could potentially put people's lives at even greater risk.' Almost 4,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to the UK so far this year, more than double the total for 2019.
Immigration Minister Chris Philp will visit France next week for talks, while the Commons Home Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry into the rising number of incidents, focusing on criminal gangs and passenger dangers. Committee chair Yvette Cooper said it was 'particularly troubling to see children being put at risk'.
