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In just two days 1,200 migrants have arrived in the UK, bringing the total number of Channel crossings this year almost three times larger than in 2020. The Home Office has said 695 migrants in 22 boats travelled to the UK on Wednesday.
However, last month, French officials complained the sum was not enough to cover the resources needed.
One reportedly said: “They moaned when we hadn’t sent it, and now we have sent some they still haven’t got the act together. They need to demonstrate how they are using it properly.”
Priti Patel, sanctioned the first instalment last week after being told by her French counterpart Gerard Darmanin they could hit a 100 percent interception rate if all the cash was given.
Whitehall insiders accused Paris of “diverting political resources” away from the fight against traffickers to the fishing row.
According to the Telegraph it is understood Border Force chiefs had been planning for 2,000 people to make the gruelling trip across the Channel in November.
One source said: “Officers have told clandestine threat command repeatedly there is no basis for believing the surge in numbers would fall away over winter.
“The combination of low wave height today, better organisation from smugglers and larger boats means the crossing is more established as safe and successful.”
The UK offered £54million to the French to help stem the flow of small boats through increased patrols.
READ MORE: Migrant crossings: Record day – but how many have crossed in 2021?
“Traffickers will continue to ply their disgusting trade while they are able to do so. It is the responsibility of all civilised countries to put a stop to it.”
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