News Labour’s ‘ongoing problem’ in tackling migrant crisis revealed by ex-Border Force chief as Channel crossings ramp up on Christmas Day

Ben Chapman

Guest Reporter
Former UK Border Force Director General Tony Smith has warned that Channel crossing problems will remain "ongoing" despite recent policy changes.

Speaking on GB News, Smith highlighted that the abolition of the Rwanda plan has created significant challenges.



He explained that certain nationalities, particularly those from Afghanistan and Iran, are difficult to return to their home countries even if their asylum claims fail.

"They know if they get into British territorial waters, it is very likely they will be able to stay - I see that being an ongoing problem," Smith said.


Migrants crossing the Channel and Tony Smith

The former director general noted that without an agreement with the EU on safe third countries, migrants cannot be returned to France.

More than 110 migrants have arrived in Dover harbour early on Christmas Day as hundreds more attempt to cross the Channel.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS


Border Force intercepting migrants in Channel on Christmas Day


The Border Force vessel Volunteer brought people from two boats into Dover just before 5am, with at least four more vessels currently attempting the journey.

The crossings broke a period of more than a week without any small boat arrivals, with the last known crossing on December 14 when 160 people arrived in three boats.

Poor weather conditions, which had prevented crossings for over a week, eased late on Christmas Eve, creating calmer conditions with light winds and reduced waves.

Dense fog has made the crossings particularly hazardous, with large container ships struggling to spot the small boats in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.


Darren Grimes and Tony Smith

A people smuggler, using the name Salar, has been advertising a "Christmas special" deal on the Telegram messaging app.

The smuggler claimed to have 15 spaces available on a small boat.

"From the 25th until the 29th, there will be special offers as the weather is also good - God willing, you will be in England before the new year," Salar wrote on Telegram.

The number of migrants crossing the Channel has seen a significant increase in 2024, with more than 35,000 people making the journey - 20 per cent higher than last year.



However, the figure remains lower than the record high in 2022, when 45,774 people crossed the Channel.

A Home Office spokesperson responded to today's developments, saying: "We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security."

"The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay," they added.

"We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice."

Find Out More...
 
Top Bottom