Dinghies arrive England despite Rwanda threat
STORY: Dozens of people in two rubber dinghies reached the southern coast of England on Saturday (May 4).
They are among thousands of asylum-seeking migrants to make the risky sea trip across the Channel from France this year.
The arrivals illustrate the difficulties British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces on his pledge to tackle illegal migration and "stop the boats", ahead of a national election expected later this year.
Sunak hopes his flagship policy to deport those arriving in Britain to Rwanda without permission will deter people from making the Channel crossing.
But the more than 8,000 people who have arrived on small boats so far in 2024 make for record number.
At least five people died in the attempt last month, as many flee war or famine.
Saturday's boats sailed across the narrow strip of sea separating France and Britain, with a French naval vessel following them until they reached English waters.
Their largely male passengers were taken aboard a British Border Force vessel off Dover.
The government hopes to operate the first flights to Rwanda in 9-11 weeks.
A spokesperson for Britain's Home Office said "the unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel demonstrates exactly why we must get flights to Rwanda off the ground as soon as possible."
