At least 444 migrants crossed the Channel on Tuesday making it the highest figure for two months

More than 10,700 people have now made the crossing this year

At least 444 people cross the Channel on Tuesday, the highest daily total in two months. Hundreds of migrants made the crossing on Tuesday as the government fought legal challenges to have the deportation flights to Rwanda stopped. According to Sky News, this means the total number of people who have crossed the Channel to the UK in small boats this year now stands at more than 10,700. This is double the number of people who had made the crossing by the same point last year. Calm weather means that more Channel crossings are expected on Wednesday. Last year, some 28,526 people crossed the Channel to the UK. It is expected that figure will be twice as many this year according to forecasts from a union representing Border Force workers. However, this prediction was made before the war in Ukraine which has caused a mass exodus of refugees from the country fleeing the country, so the figure could end up being even higher. On April 14, Priti Patel announced the Rwanda policy. The day before, 651 people crossed the Channel to the UK, the highest number this year. The government argues the Rwanda policy will deter crossings to the UK and "break the business model" of people trafficking. Related links:

• Priti Patel 'very surprised' after Rwanda flight cancelled and preparations have begun for next one
• Prince Charles brands Rwanda deportation scheme 'appalling'
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