Northern French port city on the North Sea, near Belgium, third-largest French harbour
Across multiple sources, authorities report record numbers of migrants crammed onto large, motorised dinghies crossing the English Channel. Incidents include vessel fires, capsizes and fatalities; officials say enforcement and rescue efforts are tightening, while debates over asylum routes intensify.
France has suspended some EU border checks at the port of Dover due to heavy queues caused by the EU Entry-Exit System (EES). Passengers face long waits today, but processing times are improving as authorities relax checks during the bank holiday weekend amid record May temperatures.
An AI-generated feature by Ash Koosha has screened at Tribeca, using AI tools to render a full production with no traditional cast. Koosha says AI enabled independence and speed, while acknowledging limits and risks for conventional filmmaking and employment. The project memorializes Iranian protesters and raises broader questions about the future of cinema.
A UK-based writer explains how side hustles—from Swagbucks to focus groups—have funded a first home. The piece outlines the daily methods, pay ranges, and practical notes on participation, highlighting how flexible gigs can supplement household finances.
BBC and other outlets report that Twana Jamal, once dubbed the godfather of Calais camps, has been found living and working in Blaby, Leicestershire, under a false name. He allegedly earned large sums moving people across the Channel between 2012–2016 and is now subject to asylum claims. Authorities warn Brexit-era data checks hinder border enforcement.
A raft of new data shows a record-breaking group of migrants crossing the English Channel in a single dinghy, while authorities warn that overcrowding and dangerous routes persist. Across multiple reports, the total number of arrivals so far this year remains lower than last year, but per-boat capacity is increasing and enforcement efforts are expanding.
Since 2022 the UK has prosecuted those who pilot illegal small-boat crossings. Recent convictions show the government is intensifying enforcement, with multiple pilots receiving prison terms as fatalities at sea underscore ongoing risks and political pressure to curb crossings.
The government has doubled National Crime Agency officers tackling smuggling and is changing the approach to small-boat crossings. Crossings are down this year, and officials say this reflects tough enforcement and new cooperation with French authorities. The PM stresses safe routes and dialogue with the EU as Ceuta incidents reshape EU dynamics.