Nine Iraqi migrants intercepted off Devon coast, far from usual route

Nine Iraqi migrants were intercepted by Border Force while attempting to cross from France to the UK via a small boat off the Devon coast. This incident occurred near Brixham, a fishing port in Torbay, which is over 80 miles away from the typical crossing point between Calais and Dover. The group is currently in custody and will be processed according to immigration rules, which may include applying for asylum based on their reasons for fleeing. The shift in crossing location is believed to be a response to increased policing in Calais, prompting people smugglers to explore alternative routes to evade detection. A Border Force official indicated that this change could lead to hundreds of migrants using different paths to reach the UK. The shortest crossing between Calais and Dover is only 21 miles, highlighting the significant distance the migrants traveled. This incident follows a weekend where 11 boats carrying 707 migrants were intercepted, contributing to a total of 24,335 crossings this year. The Home Office has expressed a commitment to ending dangerous small boat crossings, emphasizing the risks posed by people-smuggling gangs who exploit vulnerable individuals. In light of these events, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged to enhance border security by increasing officer numbers and funding for monitoring systems. This initiative aims to dismantle people-smuggling operations and improve the likelihood of prosecuting those involved in these illegal activities.