Over 400 migrants cross Channel in single day

Some of the 401 migrants who arrived in Dover on Monday

More than 400 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats on Monday, the highest daily number so far this year.

The daily total was announced as the UK and four other European countries agreed to form a customs partnership aimed at "disrupting the supply chain of small boats".

Home Office figures showed 401 people crossed the Channel on Monday, taking the total for the year so far to 2,983.

It followed the arrival of 327 people on Sunday, the first group to arrive in March.

The previous highest daily figure for 2024 was set on 17 January when 358 people were brought ashore in Dover.

Monday's arrivals landed as the government's Rwanda Deportation scheme suffered a series of defeats in the House of Lords.

Separately, a new customs partnership has been agreed by Britain, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands to tackle the migrants issue.

Countries along the supply chain will share information in a bid to hamper the shipments of parts used in assembling dinghies that carry migrants from France to the UK, such as engines and inflatable materials.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said the partnership, “demonstrates our enduring commitment to smashing the business model of criminal gangs and stopping the boats”.

A family arriving at Dover on Monday

On Monday the government said it had reached agreement with France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, known as the Calais Group of nations.

It will see the UK and France leading a customs partnership which will allow more effective sharing of information and help stop small boats being taken to the French coast to be used by people smugglers.

Home Secretary James Cleverly also said there would be further work with social media companies to stop smuggling gangs promoting themselves online.

Home Secretary James Cleverley agreed customs deal with European partners to disrupt small boat crossings

Mr Cleverly said: "Working closely with our European neighbours is fundamental to solving the illegal migration crisis.

"Global problems require global solutions, and the UK is leading the conversation around the changes needed to crack down on people smugglers and break their supply chains.

The Calais Group is central to our mission, and we have already made significant progress by reducing small boat crossings by 36%.

"Our new customs partnership demonstrates our enduring commitment to smashing the business model of criminal gangs and stopping the boats."

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.