People have continued to cross the English Channel, the day after hundreds of migrants were brought ashore in Kent.

Around 740 people crossed the water on Monday, Sky News understands.

It was originally thought more than a thousand men, women and children were spotted making the journey, but the Home Office claimed the figure was lower – and that it was not a record number.

Several young children and a baby were among those who made it ashore yesterday.

The current record for crossings in a single day is 828 on 21 August.

Crossings continued on Tuesday – in part due to the calmer weather after weeks of unsettled conditions – with eyewitnesses reporting boats arriving in Dover and the RNLI seen towing another further east in Kingsdown.

It is not yet known how many people have attempted the crossing today.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “Following a long period of poor weather, we have seen an increase in crossings as criminal gangs seek to exploit the improved sea conditions.

“This is still extremely dangerous. We remain determined to fix the broken asylum system and break the business model of people smugglers who put lives at risk, and welcome people through safe and legal routes.”

The home secretary is expected to discuss the matter with her French counterpart, Gerald Darmanin, at a three-day G7 interior ministers’ meeting in London.

Previously, they announced an agreement to more than double the number of police patrolling French beaches.

As part of the deal, the government pledged to give France £54m to support its efforts to stop small boat crossings.

Ms Patel has since told MPs she is prepared to withhold the promised funds unless there is an improvement in the number of migrants intercepted by French authorities.

None of the money has been paid so far, it is understood.

Source: Read Full Article