Another 13 migrants, including a toddler, have arrived in the UK after a huge search and rescue operation was launched earlier today.
The migrants were spotted this morning in a boat off the Kent coast, sparking a rescue mission involving a coastguard helicopter, lifeboats and Border Force vessels.
All 13 migrants were taken to Dover to be processed by officials.
It brings the total number of migrants to enter the UK this month to almost 500 – the highest monthly figure ever recorded.
Another 13 migrants, including a toddler, have arrived in the UK after a huge search and rescue operation was launched earlier today. Pictured: Border Force officials help the migrants off a boat.
One of the 13 migrants rescued was a toddler, who, pictured here, was carried away from the water by a Border Force official
A total of 76 migrants in five boats were rescued on Friday, while another 35 migrants crossed the Channel on Saturday.
So far in April, at least 476 are known to have made the perilous trip from France, while more than 500 migrants have reached Britain in small boats began since the coronavirus lockdown began in March.
This month’s figure makes up more than half of the estimated 850 migrants who have made the dangerous crossing this year.
The figure is also fast approaching half of the 1,850 who made it to Britain throughout the whole of 2019.
In today’s rescue operation, the Coastguard helicopter assisted the Dover Lifeboat, two lifeboats from nearby Walmer, and two Border Force vessels.
The total number of migrants to enter the UK this month is nearing 500 – the highest monthly figure ever recorded. Pictured: Migrants are escorted on to land by Border Force officials
A total of 76 migrants in five boats were rescued on Friday. Another 35 migrants crossed the Channel from France on Saturday. Pictured: Several officials wait shore-side for the arrival of the migrants
Pictures show how the migrants were brought into Dover on board a Border Force vessel.
A Border Force official is seen carrying a child, wearing a life-jacket, in her arms.
On Friday, 76 migrants – including a young girl wearing Disney-style ‘Happily Ever After’ pyjamas – were bought into Dover.
The migrants arrived from locations including Iran, Yemen, Syria and Kuwait.
On Saturday, 35 more migrants successfully crossed the English Channel in four inflatable boats.
The first boat, carrying 14 men and a woman from Iran, Kuwait and Iraq, was found off the Kent coast at 3.40am.
By 6.35am another rigid-hulled inflatable boat (Rhib) arrived at Dover.
Some 13 men, who said they were Iraqi and Iranian, were detained.
Two hours later, at 8am, seven men from the same two countries were stopped.
A fourth boat was also being dealt with by the Border Force on Saturday evening.
More than 60 migrants crammed in four small boats were also stopped earlier this month.
But as previously reported by MailOnline, none of the migrants stopped since the outbreak of coronavirus have been tested.
Instead, the Home Office says it will observe asylum seekers for symptoms of the virus and isolate those were necessary.
That is despite reports that some of those living in migrant camps in France have been infected with the deadly virus.
Rather than test asylum seekers, the Home Office say they will instead be examined by nurses and doctors for any symptoms of Covid-19.
Any person showing symptoms will be isolated, including those in detention centres, where special isolation areas have been set up, the Home Office say.
This month’s figure of almost 500 migrants makes up almost half of the estimated 950 migrants who have made the dangerous crossing this year. Pictured: The migrants on board a Border Force vessel
The Home Office says migrants are not being tested for coronavirus on arrival, in line with PHE guidance. Pictured: A toddler who arrived with the group of the migrants is led to shore
A spokesperson said the policy is in line with guidance from Public Health England (PHE).
A charity boss has previously described the situation as ‘heartbreaking’.
Stephen Hale, the chief executive of charity Refugee Action, said: ‘It’s heartbreaking that people including young children are having to risk their lives to seek refuge in the UK due to a lack of safe and legal routes to get here.
‘The Government must stop talking tough and start thinking smart.
‘More routes for people to claim protection in the UK must be created, including a long-term commitment to resettle 10,000 refugees every year.’
Meanwhile, Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts Chris Philp said earlier this month that the government will ‘not stand by whilst malicious criminals prey on the vulnerable’.
He said: ‘Criminal gangs are using false promises to take advantage of desperate situations and illegally smuggle people into the UK.
Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts Chris Philp said earlier this month that the government ‘will not stand by whilst malicious criminals prey on the vulnerable’
‘We are determined to stop this criminal trade and stop these crossings.
‘We will enforce the law and we will seek justice.
‘The Home Secretary and her French counterpart have reaffirmed their joint commitment and dedication to tackling this exploitative crime.
‘We are continuing to support the French to deploy extra patrols on French beaches, drones, specialist vehicles and detection equipment to stop these boats leaving European shores.
‘To the criminals we say this – your heinous crimes will not be tolerated and we will work tirelessly to bring you to justice.’
Earlier this month, Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was ‘determined’ to stop illegal Channel crossings, adding: ‘I will not stand by whilst malicious criminals prey on the vulnerable.’
Meanwhile, Dover MP, Natalie Elphicke, has called for those attempting to enter the country illegally to be sent back to France or be put in an immediate 14 day quarantine.
She said: ‘France’s lockdown means people need permission just to walk the dog. So how come hundreds of migrants can still pile into small boats and illegally motor into Britain?
‘We know that the coronavirus has infected the French camps.
‘The French have been paid tens of millions of pounds to stop these dangerous journeys being made – it’s vital the Home Office make the French honour their obligations in order to stop the further spread of the virus into Britain.
‘I have long said that anyone seeking to break into Britain should be immediately returned to France.’