Migrant crisis: More than 14,000 Channel crossings this year after 300 arrive in middle of the night

The figure takes the number who have arrived since the beginning of the year to 13,775.

However, GB News can confirm that more than 350 others have arrived in seven small boats so far today.

Moderate winds of up to 16 knots are blowing across the Channel today, but three small boats managed to make the crossing overnight and a fourth at first light with around 200 on board.

Around 150 on board three dinghies were taken to the Border Force migrant processing centre in Dover harbour at around 2am.

More than 150 others were picked up from another three small boats at first light on Wednesday.

The latest arrivals take the total number who have arrived so far this year to just over 14,100.

Blustery conditions in the Channel have made it largely impassable for small boats for much of the last few months.

But every time conditions calm down, a surge in small boat arrivals is reported.

The news that more than 14,000 people have crossed the Channel this year comes as the Government continues to grapple with accommodating the growing number of asylum seekers.

On Tuesday, the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge arrived at Portland harbour in Dorset.

Despite protests from local people, the barge will receive the first of up to 500 asylum seekers next week.

GB News also understands that two cruise ships, which were planned to accommodate up to a 1,000 asylum seekers, are still under contract to the Home Office.

Reports suggested the ships had been returned to their owners after the Government failed to get agreement with a number of ports to berth the vessels.

However, GB News has been told the ships are still under a leasing agreement with the Home Office which is still committed to exploring arrangements to use the vessels.