700 Migrants Make Dangerous Channel Crossing to Britain

New Delhi: The recent surge in migrant crossings across the English Channel has highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the complexities of migration policies in Europe. On Sunday, 703 migrants successfully navigated the Channel in 11 small boats, pushing the total number of crossings for 2024 to 18,342—a 13% increase compared to the same period last year. Unfortunately, the perilous journey claimed two more lives, bringing the total number of fatalities this year to 25, according to French authorities.

The issue of migrant crossings has been a central focus in British politics, particularly after the July general election. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who recently took office, immediately scrapped the controversial policy of deporting migrants to Rwanda—a key strategy of the former Conservative government. Instead, Starmer has pledged to dismantle the people-smuggling networks that facilitate these dangerous journeys, emphasizing a more humanitarian approach to the crisis.

The rise in crossings comes amid a backdrop of heightened tensions in the UK, following a knife attack on July 29 that resulted in the deaths of three children. The incident, initially and falsely attributed to a Muslim immigrant on social media, fueled anti-migrant sentiments and sparked unrest. In response, thousands of anti-racism demonstrators rallied across Britain last Saturday, calling for unity and condemning the violence directed at immigrant communities.

In an effort to address the ongoing challenges, Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have committed to strengthening cooperation between their countries. This partnership aims to develop more effective strategies to manage the surge in undocumented migrants and tackle the root causes of this complex issue.