Migrants trying to cross the English Channel (Image: Getty)

       A startlingly small number of migrants who crossed the English Channel in small boats last year have been removed from the UK, despite the Government's tough stance on illegal immigration.

       According to data obtained by The Mail on Sunday through a Freedom of Information request, only 155 out of the 29,437 migrants who made the dangerous journey in 2022 have been deported. This is just 0.5 percent of the total.

       The Government has repeatedly promised to take strong action against illegal immigration, but these figures suggest otherwise.

       Senior Conservative MPs say that legal challenges are the main reason for the slow rate of removals.

       READ MORE: Thousands of migrants are fleeing the UK to reach Dublin on 'Brexit Express'

       Neil O'Brien, a Tory MP, explained: "This just shows why the Rwanda scheme is so important and why we need to overhaul the system. People are able to have infinite numbers of appeals on spurious grounds. Even when people are removed, it takes years and years to get there."

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       The Rwanda scheme, also known as Operation Vector, aims to send asylum seekers who arrive in small boats to Rwanda.

       However, the plan faces significant opposition and legal hurdles.

       A leaked Government forecast suggests that 75 percent of migrants could win legal challenges to avoid being deported.

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       Despite these obstacles, the government insists it will continue with the Rwanda plan. The Home Office stated it has already removed 26,000 people with no right to be in the UK and aims to start flights to Rwanda in the next nine to 11 weeks.

       However, opponents of the scheme, including Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, have vowed to end the Rwanda flights if their party comes to power.

       Many believe that the slow pace of removals will encourage more people to attempt the dangerous Channel crossing. Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch, called the low removal numbers "disgraceful".

       He warned: "The small boats will not stop unless it's made clear that those crossing the Channel illegally stand little chance of being allowed to stay."

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