Migrant crisis: 3000 people cross channel this year in huge surge as UK preparing new major law

Latest official figures from the Home Office show that 2,950 people had made the journey in flimsy inflatables since the start of January.

At this point last year, fewer than 1,500 had crossed the English Channel.

GB News Kent Producer reports that around that three small boats have been intercepted by UK authorities so far today, with several other inflatables spotted trying to make the crossing.

Around 120 people have been brought to the Border Force processing centre at Dover harbour, taking the number who have arrived so far this year to more than 3,000.

Weather conditions in the English Channel have been poor for most of the last two months, with only a handful of days offering flat calm conditions.

One of the main migrant camps, around the railway tracks near Dunkirk, has been cleared by French authorities in recent days.

However, other makeshift camps have sprung up nearby, offering shelter to thousands as they wait to cross illegally to the UK in the coming days and weeks.

The British government is introducing tougher legislation ministers claim will make it next to impossible to claim asylum for anyone crossing into the UK illegally.

Those who inter the UK through so called irregular routes would also face a lifetime ban from claiming asylum.

Refugee charities and human rights groups claim the new plans are “unworkable, costly and will not stop the boats.”