Over 700 migrants arrived in Dover at the weekend

Over 6,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats since the start of 2024

The Home Office recorded 748 migrants arriving in Kent over the weekend after crossing the English Channel.

Data shows 214 people were brought ashore at Dover on Saturday, while 534 made the crossing on Sunday.

It now means 6,265 migrants have arrived in the UK in small boats since the start of 2024.

The government said the "unacceptable number" of channel crossings shows the importance of its proposed Rwanda policy.

The controversial Rwanda bill would see some asylum seekers being sent to the African country.

Voting on the legislation will resume on Monday when Parliament returns from its Easter recess.

Over 700 migrants crossed the English Channel during two days of calm weather

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We continue to work closely with French police who are facing increasing violence and disruption on their beaches as they work tirelessly to prevent these dangerous, illegal and unnecessary journeys.

“We remain committed to building on the successes that saw arrivals drop by more than a third last year, including tougher legislation and agreements with international partners, in order to save lives and stop the boats.”

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