Migrants were seen boarding a dinghy in northern France in an attempt to cross the English Channel to Britain, just days after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to address the small boat crisis. The undated pictures show men, women, and children wearing orange lifejackets wading through the water before climbing onto an inflatable vessel.
It is not clear if the dinghy was intercepted or turned back by authorities. The development comes after Sunak and Macron announced plans for a new joint 'surge team' to combat the use of small boats making the perilous journey.
Protest Disrupts Dover Port
The sightings occurred shortly after a protest by a group linked to the hard-right faction Patriot Platform blockaded the Port of Dover. Hundreds of individuals dressed in black and wearing balaclavas descended on the port, causing traffic gridlock and forcing holidaymakers to miss ferry crossings. Politicians, including Reform UK's Robert Jenrick and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, condemned the protest as 'intimidating'. Dover District Council leader Kevin Mills criticized the police response, describing the protest as 'exceptionally well organised'.
Declining Numbers and New Tactics
Despite the recent crossings, the total number of migrant arrivals via the Channel over the summer months has reportedly dropped to its lowest point since 2019. However, smugglers appear to be using fewer, larger vessels, with a record 230 people reportedly making the journey in a single boat last month. The announced 'surge team,' funded by Britain and comprising French police, is intended to tackle the use of these larger dinghies, often referred to as 'mega-dinghies.' Government sources indicate the team will consist of 45 additional officers.
Some politicians have branded the plans a 'joke,' attributing the reduction in crossings primarily to rough weather conditions. Separately, Andy Burnham, during a meeting with Macron, reportedly discussed Labour's proposals for a Brexit 'reset' aimed at closer alignment with EU regulations. He has previously stated that a decade of low economic growth in Britain has been partly due to Brexit.
Political Promises to Halt Crossings
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has pledged to halt small boat crossings within the first 100 days of a potential Reform government. His party's agenda also includes plans to cut energy bills by scrapping green levies and to reduce public spending, with a focus on the welfare budget, to lower debt interest payments and fund tax cuts.
In total, approximately 15,897 migrants have crossed the Channel this year, representing a 43% decrease compared to the same period last year and an 18% drop from 2024. Despite this overall reduction, the use of larger vessels highlights a shift in smuggling tactics.
