Government reallocates funds from Rwanda plan to new Border Security Command

Dozens of migrants, including children, arrived in Dover today after being seen boarding dinghies from a French beach bound for the UK. The migrants were observed using toy rubber rings instead of life jackets, with police reporting thwarted raids and a new camp set up near the beach for potential crossings. This comes as over 13,600 migrants have crossed the Channel this year, with Border Force boats bringing in groups of people, including children, to Dover. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has launched a Border Security Command to address illegal migration, following the axing of the Rwanda migrant deportation scheme by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The Labour government plans to divert funds from the Rwanda scheme to bolster border security efforts. Additionally, Labour has scrapped the Conservative's "stop the boats" approach and aims to tackle clandestine arrivals through strategic direction across security services. Former Chief Immigration Officer Kevin Saunders warns that scrapping the Rwanda scheme could lead to an increase in migrants attempting the perilous Channel crossing, with up to 60,000 people potentially making the journey this year. Starmer's decision to end the Rwanda scheme has faced criticism, with concerns raised about the effectiveness of alternative measures to deter illegal migration. The government is under pressure to address the rising number of crossings and strengthen border security efforts. As the Labour government takes steps to address the migrant crisis, questions remain about the effectiveness of new policies and the impact of scrapping previous schemes. With ongoing debates about border security and migration strategies, the government faces challenges in managing the influx of migrants and preventing dangerous crossings. The situation highlights the complexities of immigration policies and the need for comprehensive solutions to address the ongoing challenges at the UK's borders.