![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/migrant-crisis-english-channel-1703483.jpg?r=1669807800350\")
<\/p>\nWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n
The Home Office has ditched plans to turn small boats around in the English Channel as the migrant crisis shows no signs of abating, with more than 800 more making the crossing in one day. Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said analysis has shown there are only “limited circumstances in which small boats can be turned around safely in the English Channel”. He said in a parliamentary written answer the proposals are “currently withdrawn and there are no current plans for the turnaround tactics to be reintroduced under defence primacy”.<\/p>\n
On Monday, another 426 migrants crossed the Channel – a two-week high – but that figure more than doubled on Tuesday when 884 people in 17 boats were brought to Dover by Border Force and the RNLI.<\/p>\n
The total since the start of the year making the dangerous crossing has surged beyond 43,000. This compares to just 28,526 in all of 2021, with four weeks still remaining this year.<\/p>\n
To add to this, a further unconfirmed number of migrants arrived from crossing the Channel on Tuesday, despite poor visibility in the busy shipping lane.<\/p>\n
Mr Jenrick said in his parliamentary written answer on Tuesday: “There are limited circumstances in which small boats can be turned around safely in the English Channel. In view of this, the policy is currently withdrawn and there are no current plans for the turnaround tactics to be reintroduced under defence primacy.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/robert-jenrick-4431061.jpg?r=1669807800466\")
<\/p>\n
The comments from the immigration minister appear to end all possibility of the pushback measures being introduced, which Emmanuel Macron’s French Government warned are in breach of international maritime law.<\/p>\n
These proposals would have seen small migrant boats intercepted in the Channel, turned back around and sent back to France. Alternatively, passengers would have been transferred to UK Border Force vessels and delivered to a French port.<\/p>\n
In April, former Home Secretary Priti Patel conceded the turnaround tactics had been put to one side but insisted they would remain under review.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Parliament passed legislation introducing powers allowing small boats intercepted in the Channel to be turned back.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/migrant-crisis-uk-4431110.jpg?r=1669807800530\")
<\/p>\n
Tens of thousands of pounds had even been spent by the Home Office on specialist maritime gear to enforce the policy, with one purchase including a life raft that cocoons small boats while occupants are removed.<\/p>\n
Official documents showed the raft allows “a disabled small inflatable or other boat to be safely stabilised and allow the occupants to be safely transferred to another vessel”.<\/p>\n
The equipment was tested on the Channel but ultimately, was never deployed.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, officials have knocked back reports Home Secretary Suella Braverman wants to accelerate migrant deportations by resurrecting a list of countries which are deemed to be safe.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/suella-braverman-4431068.jpg?r=1669807800621\")
<\/p>\n