Rescue of 80 Migrants in the English Channel

Around 80 migrants were saved by British authorities on Thursday after their small boat faced trouble while crossing the English Channel from France. The coastguard sent two helicopters and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution dispatched lifeboats to help. All people were found and brought back to land safely. The issue of how to prevent migrants from making this dangerous journey across the Channel is a big topic during Britain's general election campaign. Even though the Conservative government has talked tough about reducing the number of migrants, more people are attempting the crossing. The Home Office reported that 34 individuals traveled in one boat on Wednesday, making the total crossings for the year 10,779 so far. This is a 42% increase from last year and 8% higher than the same time in 2022. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised to "stop the boats" when he became the leader in October 2022. He is supporting a controversial plan to send those who arrive in small boats on a one-way trip to Rwanda. Sunak believes this plan will discourage others from attempting the journey and deportation flights could start in July, after the July 4 election. Keir Starmer, the leader of the main opposition Labour Party, has stated he would cancel the plan if he becomes prime minister, calling it a gimmick. Current opinion polls show Labour leading the Conservatives with four weeks left until polling day.