More than 500 migrants cross the Channel on busiest day of the year so far - as ... trends now
More than 500 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats yesterday on the busiest day of arrivals so far this year, as politicians prepare for the latest fight to get deportation flights to Rwanda off the ground.
Some 534 people were detected crossing from the continent on Sunday, according to provisional figures from the Home Office. It takes the figure for the year to date to 6,265 - 28 per cent higher than the same point in 2023.
It came as the Commons returns from Easter recess this afternoon with Rwanda flight legislation high on the agenda for a Tory government desperate for a boost in the polls.
Peers are coming under increasing pressure to drop their opposition to the government's new law, with ministers hoping to start flights within weeks.
No10 today said the Prime Minister's message to the Lords was: 'This week Parliament has the opportunity to pass a Bill to save the lives of those being exploited by people smuggling gangs.'
Some 534 people were detected crossing from the continent on Sunday, the highest according to provisional figures from the Home Office.
MPs will this evening consider amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill by the House of Lords, which inflicted a series of defeats against the controversial policy before rising for the spring break.
The cumulative number of arrivals by small boats in 2024 now stands at a provisional total of 6,265 - 28 per cent higher than the total at the equivalent point last year, which was 4,899, and 7 per cent higher than the total at this stage in 2022, which was 5,828.
Some 10 boats were detected on Sunday, which suggests an average of around 53 people per boat.
MPs will this evening consider amendments to the Safety of Rwanda Bill by the House of Lords, which inflicted a series of defeats against the controversial policy before rising for the spring break.
The Government will seek to strip out changes made by peers who want extra legal safeguards, including a provision to ensure 'due regard' for domestic and international law.
But the Lords could decide to push their changes again, starting what is known as 'ping-pong' with the law passing between the Commons and the upper chamber repeatedly.
Peers were today warned not to do this, having made clear
