In one day, 755 migrants attempted to illegally cross the English Channel into Britain by boat, more than ever this year.

More than 750 rafters were registered in Britain on Thursday, the highest daily figure since the start of the year. According to the British Home Office, 755 people were counted who crossed the English Channel in a total of 14 small boats.

According to the AFP news agency, this means that the 100,000 barrier has been surpassed: since 2018, a total of 100,715 people have used the English Channel to enter Great Britain illegally.

The British government toughens Aysl and immigration law

Despite Brexit promises that the British government wants to regain control of its borders, the number of migrants arriving irregularly has risen steadily in recent years. Last year a record number of 45,000 people were reported. This year there are 15,826 since the beginning of the year.

Therefore, the Conservative government led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is trying vehemently to stop illegal migration. A law went into effect in July prohibiting even immigrants who entered the country illegally from seeking asylum. Just this week, Sunak threatened lawyers with life in prison if they helped migrants falsify asylum claims.

The sea route from France to Great Britain is considered dangerous. Fatal accidents happen again and again in the English Channel. To prevent migrants from crossing the English Channel, France and Britain signed a comprehensive agreement last year. This includes, among other things, drones, sniffer dogs and additional personnel for stricter border control.