Tag

Small Boats

All articles tagged with #small boats

Court appearance after deadly Channel crossing leaves four migrants dead
world3 hours ago

Court appearance after deadly Channel crossing leaves four migrants dead

A Sudanese national, Alnour Mohamed Ali, appeared at Folkestone Magistrates Court charged with endangering life after four migrants drowned while attempting to board a water taxi off Calais. He pleaded not guilty through an interpreter and was remanded to Canterbury Crown Court for 11 May. Investigations continue into how the boat was launched; 38 people were returned to France while 74 proceeded to the UK. The case comes amid broader UK border measures under the 2025 Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, which creates an offense of endangering others at sea; more than 5,000 people have crossed the Channel by small boat this year.

Border Security Chief Steps Down After 18 Months In Charge
politics21 days ago

Border Security Chief Steps Down After 18 Months In Charge

Martin Hewitt resigns as head of the Border Security Command after 18 months, with ministers arranging an interim replacement. His tenure saw bolstered cross-agency efforts and the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act becoming law, but crossing numbers by small boats remain high. The move prompts political debate, with opponents blaming Labour and the PM for the ongoing migration challenge, while Hewitt leaves at month-end as the search for a permanent successor continues.

UK to Begin Returning Migrants to France Under New Deal
world8 months ago

UK to Begin Returning Migrants to France Under New Deal

The UK is set to begin returning some migrants who arrive on small boats to France within days, under a new deal ratified on Tuesday, which involves reciprocal acceptance of migrants with legal ties to the UK. The scheme aims to reduce illegal crossings and dismantle smuggling networks, with an initial target of about 50 returns per week, though critics argue this may be insufficient. The agreement is part of broader efforts to manage migration and curb smuggling activities.

UK Government's Illegal Migration Bill Sparks International Law Concerns
politics2 years ago

UK Government's Illegal Migration Bill Sparks International Law Concerns

The UK government's plans to tackle the issue of people crossing the English Channel in small boats have been signed off by Parliament with the passing of the Illegal Migration Bill. However, the centerpiece of the plan, which involves sending migrants to Rwanda, is currently being challenged in court and awaits a decision from the Supreme Court in the autumn. The bill includes measures such as seizing the mobile phones of those crossing and weakening their case if they have discarded any documents at sea. While the government sees this as a "big win," critics, including former Prime Minister Theresa May, argue that the plan undermines efforts to combat modern slavery. The long-term challenge of finding workable solutions to migration flows remains, and the effectiveness of this bill will be closely watched.