Women and children among 133 migrants crossing Channel as total for 2024 reaches 31975
standard.co.uk — November 8, 2024, 05:01 PM UTC
Women and children were among 133 migrants who crossed the Channel in two boats on Thursday, bringing the total for 2024 to 31,975. This marks a 20% increase compared to last year but a 20% decrease from 2022. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced new initiatives to combat human smuggling through the Western Balkans. This includes enhanced cooperation with Serbia, North Macedonia, and Kosovo to improve intelligence sharing. Recent crossings follow the discovery of four bodies off Calais and one near Dover, raising concerns about safety. So far, 50 people have died attempting to cross the Channel this year.