AssetID: 55908250
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Record 230 People Cross English Channel In Single Small Boat
Caption: Record 230 People Cross English Channel In Single Small Boat. A record 230 people have crossed the English Channel to the U.K. in a single small boat, surpassing the previous record of 165 set in July. The overcrowded inflatable vessel arrived in the U.K. early on Monday, with some passengers reportedly forced to dangle their legs in the water. The Home Office blamed people-smuggling gangs for increasingly cramming migrants onto dangerous and unseaworthy vessels. The average number of people carried by each boat has risen sharply, from seven in 2018 to 62 last year. Despite the record single crossing, the overall number of migrants crossing the Channel is down 43% this year, while successful boat crossings are down 49%. Officials believe efforts to disrupt smuggling networks are having an impact, with 1,100 small boats and engines seized since Labour came to power. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to be "relentless" in reducing small boat arrivals while also calling for safe routes for migrants. The U.K. and France agreed a £662 million deal in April aimed at strengthening enforcement against people smugglers and illegal crossings. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,English Channel,small boats,Andy Burnham,Home Office,France,United Kingdom,migrants,Dover,Nigel Farage,Border Force
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