Pointing to incoming laws introducing life sentences for smugglers, Mr Johnson said the new development would “send a clear message to those piloting the boats: if you risk the lives of other people in the English Channel, you risk taking your own life.” prison”. The government has come under enormous pressure to reduce the number of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats, which has already reached a record 5,000 this year – double last year. On Wednesday, 600 people arrived in the UK, the highest number in a single day so far this year. Military sources estimate that between 250 and 300 members of the Royal Navy and Army will be deployed in the English Channel, with the primary goal of protecting and rescuing life at sea, given the dangerous nature of weak small vessels. It will complete the Border Force’s three 140-foot cutters – two of which can be deployed at any time and up to eight inflatable hull boats. It also has two crew transport boats, low bath boats that can carry up to 100 people. They are supported by drones, unmanned surveillance aircraft with fixed wings that can remain airborne for 20 hours and four jet skis, which have been tested for so-called “turn” operations.
