Spike in migrant crossings as lockdown UK basks in sun

LONDON: At least 80 migrants risked their lives to try to cross the Channel as the UK experienced a sunny weekend in lockdown.

Despite hefty restrictions on movement in both the UK and France, eight boats were intercepted in the Channel. Sunny, calm weather in the South East of England may have contributed to the spike in attempts to cross the narrow Dover straits.

Overall nearly 150 migrants — including eight children — have attempted the perilous journey during the two weeks since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced nationwide restrictions on movement.

The spike in crossing attempts over the weekend came after the first cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in migrant camps in northern France, raising fears of a “humanitarian disaster”.Dover and Deal Tory MP Natalie Elphicke said the crossings were “entirely unacceptable” and that migrants must not be taken to Dover. In the latest crossings over the weekend, Border Force intercepted five boats — four on Saturday and one on Sunday.

At about 2.20am on Saturday Border Force intercepted an inflatable boat carrying 15 men. At 5.40am, a group of 12 men and three women were found on board another boat. Also at around 5.40am a boat carrying nine men was intercepted.

Then, at about 6am, Border Force rescued a group of 13 men and one woman from a fourth inflatable boat.At about 5am on Sunday, Border Force were again in action, intercepting a boat carrying 12 men. All those on board were taken to Dover where it is expected they would have been monitored for coronavirus symptoms.