Hundreds of migrants attempted to cross the English Channel on Sunday, December 21st, in a new surge of ‘small boat’ crossings. Smuggling gangs launched dinghies from several points along France’s coastline during a short pause in bad weather. 

At least 550 people were believed to have embarked on the journey, with some boats already reaching UK waters. The crossings followed the arrival of 74 migrants in Dover late on Saturday night.

Security sources warned that women and children were among those put at risk in dangerous conditions. French authorities said a pregnant woman and a three-year-old child were taken to hospital in Calais after suffering hypothermia when their boat was turned back.

The latest crossings come after more than 750 people arrived over the weekend, taking the annual total above 40,000. The government has promised tougher measures to reduce small boat crossings and disrupt people-smuggling networks.