TODAY: Border Force intercepts 23 migrants making illegal Channel crossing into Britain

Another 23 illegal immigrants arrived at Dover this morning after being brought to shore by Border Force officials following their crossing of the English Channel in small boats.

The group, who all appeared to be young men and were all wearing orange lifejackets, walked onto the marina at the port town in Kent with one of them wearing flip flops as they were accompanied by the officials.

Today's arrivals means a staggering 1,464 migrants have now crossed the Channel so far in 2021.

Since the start of the year, 223 arrived in 15 boats in January, 308 in 18 boats in February, 831 in 42 boats in March and 102 in six boats so far this month. 

The number of migrants who have reached the UK by illegally crossing the Channel has risen 192 per cent year-on-year

The total number for March was 831 – more than four times the 187 seen in the same month last year.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has repeatedly promised a series of reforms to stop smuggling gangs sending migrants across the water.

Last month Patel announced that border guards patrolling the Channel will be given powers to turn back migrant boats.

However, the flawed 'crackdown' would be dependent on France and other countries accepting the return of migrants. 

France struck a deal with the UK in November to tackle illegal Channel crossings but has so far resisted the idea of having dinghies sent back to its northern beaches.

The Government’s new plan for immigration, published in full on March 24, revealed the bill for the asylum system is set to rise to more than £1.3billion this year, from just under £1billion in 2019-20.

Stay connected! If you want to be notified of our latest videos, livestreams and more, why not consider subscribing to our Purged.tv channel!