A record number of asylum seekers, totalling more than 4,600 individuals, have arrived in Britain on small boats during the first three months of 2024, presenting UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak with a significant political challenge.
According to provisional data released by the Home Office on Wednesday, 4,644 people were detected arriving across the English Channel on small boats like inflatable dinghies by March 26 this year. This figure marks a notable increase compared to the same period last year, which saw 3,770 arrivals, and even surpasses the previous record high of 4,162 arrivals in 2022.
Prime Minister Sunak has been banking on his flagship deportation scheme to Rwanda as a deterrent for those arriving in Britain without permission. However, legislative hurdles have delayed the implementation of this plan, with the proposed legislation set to return to parliament for review next month.
Commenting on the situation, a spokesperson from the Home Office emphasized the urgency of initiating flights to Rwanda, stating that the escalating number of Channel crossings underscores the necessity of the deportation scheme. The Home Office continues to collaborate closely with French authorities, who face increasing challenges in preventing these hazardous and illegal journeys.
While annual asylum seeker numbers experienced a 36% decrease last year compared to the record total in 2022, the recent surge in arrivals poses renewed pressure on Prime Minister Sunak. Immigration remains a significant concern for voters, with the Conservative Party trailing behind the opposition Labour Party in opinion polls.
Labour's immigration spokesperson, Stephen Kinnock, criticized Sunak's handling of the situation, highlighting discrepancies between government claims and the reality of increasing small boat arrivals.
