Record in the English Channel: 230 migrants cross the strait in a boat

A rubber boat with a record 230 migrants, including more than 20 children, arrived at the port of Dover, exceeding the previous anti-record of 165 people. The incident sparked political controversy in Britain: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called it an emergency, and Zia Yusuf's party proposed a plan called 'Operation Fortress'. New Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Dover, promising to fight gangs and create legal routes for refugees.

A rubber boat with a record number of migrants—230 people, including more than 20 children—arrived at the port of Dover. This exceeded the previous anti-record of 165 people. The 15-meter-long vessel departed from the northern coast of France. According to the BBC, passenger density has increased almost tenfold compared to 2018, when an average of seven people per vessel was recorded. The incident triggered a sharp political reaction in the UK. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called it a national emergency. Party representative Zia Yusuf presented the 'Operation Fortress' plan, which involves deploying the Royal Navy to turn boats back to France and deport foreign prisoners. The Home Office condemned the smugglers' tactics but noted an overall downward trend in crossings: since the start of the year, 14,819 people have crossed the strait, a 43% decrease compared to the same period last year. New Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Dover, announcing a fight against gangs and enhanced security measures, provided that legal routes for refugees are created.