Migrant crossings: Patel blames rising number arriving on small boats on EU having 'no border protections whatsoever'

Priti Patel has said the “problem” of illegal migration is down to the EU’s open borders.

Speaking during a visit to Washington for talks with her US counterpart, the home secretary said the Schengen agreement – which allows passport-free travel across European borders in the so-called Schengen zone – has left France “overwhelmed” with migrants trying to reach the UK across the Channel.

More than 23,000 people have arrived in the UK this year after crossing the Channel in small boats – almost three times the total of about 8,500 in 2020.

A total of 1,185 migrants reached the UK in small boats last Thursday alone – a new daily record.

In recent weeks, at least two people have died while trying to attempt the perilous journey, and several more have been feared to be lost at sea.

Speaking to MPs on Wednesday, Tom Pursglove, a minister for both the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice, disclosed that just five migrants who crossed the Channel by boat to the UK have been returned to Europe so far this year.

Ms Patel said the EU has “no border protections whatsoever” which has led to a “mass migration crisis”.

“Let’s not forget that the real problem on illegal migration flows is the EU has no border protections whatsoever – Schengen open borders,” she said during the Washington visit.

The home secretary added that about 80 million individuals were “on the move” across the globe – with many hoping to make it to the UK.