RECORD RUSH OF BOAT MIGRANTS

Calls to stop the gangs who exploit desperate people

- JOHN STEVENS

LABOUR is calling on the Tories to clamp down on people-smuggling gangs as record numbers of migrants risk their lives making perilous journeys in small boats.

Ministers believe there will be a massive increase in dangerous Channel crossings this summer despite Rishi Sunak's pledge to "stop the boats".

The Government is looking at the possibility of using emergency detention orders if there is sustained rise in the numbers of people arriving.

But critics last night demanded they ditch "gimmicks" - such as the idea of housing asylum seekers on barges - and instead tackle the criminal gangs profiting from the crossings.

This week has been the busiest week for small boat crossings since the start of the year. More than 1,100 people have come to UK shores in seven days. Prime Minister Mr Sunak has said that stopping the boats is one of his main priorities but has set himself no deadline for ending the crossings.