Channel migrants: More than 600 people arrive in one day

More than 600 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats on Friday, the Home Office said.

The 647 people that came ashore brings the total for 2024 to 28,204.

The figure is almost 8% higher than at the same point last year, but 25% down on the peak year of 2022.

The government says it will “stop at nothing” to dismantle people smuggling gangs.

On Thursday French authorities said a baby had died and dozens were rescued when a boat sank off the north French coast.

It was the 45th death reported by French coastguards so far in 2024.

Refugee charities have warned that Channel crossings were becoming more dangerous.

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said there had been more deaths this year than in the previous three years combined.

He said: “This procession of death and tragedy shows we need to rethink our approach.

“Lives will continue to be lost if we carry on as it is.”

Speaking after Thursday’s death, a Home Office spokesperson said the government would crackdown on people smuggling gangs.

They added: “Our new Border Security Command will strengthen our global partnerships and enhance our efforts to investigate, arrest, and prosecute these evil criminals.”