Dover sees 120 migrants arrive on dinghies after crossing channel

Dover sees 120 migrants arrive on dinghies after crossing channel

Play all audios:

Loading...

At least seven dinghies and one kayak were towed into Dover harbour by Border Force. A photographer snapped a group of more than 120 men, women and children, including a baby, arriving at


the southern port. Another boat was seen landing on a beach in Dungeness, a headland on the coast of Kent. Sixteen migrants, including many young children, were photographed on the beach


after getting out of the boat. In the photos obtained by Sky News, one woman appeared to be pregnant. Susan Pilcher, who captured the images of the newly-arrived group, said the number of


people making the risky crossing has increased dramatically in recent weeks. She told Sky News: "It seems to be going absolutely crazy. An inquiry has been launched by the Commons home


affairs select committee, which wants to scrutinise the role of "criminal gangs" and the UK and French government's response to the issue. MPs have launched an inquiry into


the increase in the number of migrants undertaking the trip across the Channel. In July alone, more than 1,000 people in small boats sailed into British waters. Labour has accused the


Government of "failing to get to grips with the crisis". The Commons home affairs committee will look at the role that criminal gangs play in helping people to make the illegal


crossing. The responses of the UK and French authorities will also be analysed. The inquiry will also focus on the living conditions of migrants in France. Many of those who have


successfully made the crossing in rubber dinghies stayed in makeshift camps in France before embarking on their journey. Natalie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover and Deal, said:


"It’s an unacceptable situation and vital that these small boat crossings are brought to an end."