Migrants attempting to cross the Channel in a small boat (Image: STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY)

       Reform MPs have demanded the UK returns "freeloading economic migrants" back to France after dozens attempted to cross the Channel on Christmas Day.

       Dozens of migrants were intercepted in small boats today when people smugglers took advantage of calmer seas for the first time in two weeks.

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       Reform MP Lee Anderson said: "The best Christmas present the UK could have today is to send these freeloading economic migrants back to France. I do no want these people in my country."

       The total number of Christmas Day crossings will be revealed in the Home Office’s day-to-day count of arrivals.

       The last time vessels carrying migrants were known to have made the voyage was on December 14, when some 160 people arrived in three boats, according to the Government’s official figures.

       Storms and strong winds have made crossing attempts impossible since then.

       Reform MP Rupert Lowe said: "They are coming here illegally. Illegal means illegal. They should be securely detained until deported and never be able to come here legally in future. Australia has showed us what to do. Our Labour Government needs to start delivering for the British people and acting in our best interests."

       Migrants rescued by Border Force volunteers (Image: STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY)

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       Groups were brought ashore at the Port of Dover in Kent before dawn today on a Border Force vessel.

       The migrants, mainly men, were seen being escorted up the gangway to the immigration processing centre at the former jetfoil terminal at the Western Docks.

       A group of people in orange life jackets were seen disembarking from the BF Hurricane catamaran at the Port of Dover in misty conditions.

       Once all had been taken off the Hurricane, it turned around and could be seen heading back into the middle of the Channel.

       BF Ranger was also seen en route for Dover from its original position in the middle of the straits off Dunkirk.

       Migrants (Image: STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY)

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       Some 35,040 people have made the journey in 2024 so far, 20% higher than last year.

       But the figure is lower than the record high in 2022, when 45,774 people made the crossing.

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       Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has acknowledged that it would be “no comfort” to the public if numbers continued to remain at high levels.

       Sir Keir Starmer has made “smashing the gangs” who facilitate the small boat crossings one of his top priorities since Labour came to power.

       As part of this work, the Prime Minister has set up a new Border Security Command, and is attempting to work more closely with the UK’s European neighbours to pull apart organised crime gangs involved in people smuggling.