1,300 migrants cross the English Channel since Christmas—where is the deterrent?

In the United Kingdom, 2024 saw a significant rise in illegal crossings of the English Channel, with 36,816 migrants making the perilous journey, according to figures from the Home Office released on New Year's Day. This marked an increase from 29,437 crossings in 2023, although it remained below the record high of 45,774 in 2022. Tragically, the year was also the deadliest on record, as reported by a United Nations agency, with 77 people drowning while trying to cross the treacherous waters, leading to calls for improved safety measures for migrants seeking refuge. The surge in crossings has sparked sharp criticism of the UK government's response to the ongoing migrant crisis. Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council, emphasized the need for safe and legal routes for those fleeing conflict and persecution, arguing that the current approach prioritizes border security over human lives. Meanwhile, the government's efforts, including joint operations with French authorities to prevent crossings, have been met with skepticism. Critics suggest that these actions might not be enough to deter the dangers posed by people-smuggling gangs, who continue to profit from the desperate situation of migrants. Additionally, the financial implications of the crossings are concerning for taxpayers, as highlighted by Steven Woolfe, Director of The Centre For Migration & Economic Prosperity. He indicated that each group of 360 migrants crossing the Channel costs around £20 million annually to support. This, paired with the £1.8 million profit for people-smuggling operations, underscores the significant economic burden illegal migrations impose on the UK. Woolfe criticized the opposition's responses, particularly by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, arguing that more decisive deterrents need to be in place to address the rising issue of illegal migration effectively. Furthermore, in the wake of the election results in July 2024, the Labour government abandoned previous plans to deport migrants arriving illegally to Rwanda, reflecting the ongoing policy challenges faced by the current administration. The refusal to continue such measures has prompted further discussions on the country’s approach to asylum seekers and migrants, with many advocating for a shift towards safeguarding lives and implementing practical solutions that prevent tragedies similar to those witnessed this past year.