More than 1,200 small boat migrants have crossed the Channel since the UK Prime Minister and French President signed a migrant returns deal on Thursday, GB News can reveal.

This morning, at least 300 migrants are attempting the illegal crossing.

Just after 10am, a Border Force vessel arrived in Dover harbour with 68 people onboard.

Maritime security sources have told GB News that almost 250 others are still in the Channel, with most either now in or approaching UK waters.

In just three days since the Anglo-French deal was signed, 1,226 have made the illegal Journey.

The latest figures are yet more uncomfortable reading for the Prime Minister, coming just days after he hailed the agreement with Paris an "historic deal" allowing for a partial return of small boat migrants arriving in the UK.

The British and French Governments have not yet put a figure on the number of migrants France will accept back, but it is expected to be very modest to begin with.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said it was hoped the number of returns could be ramped up if the initial pilot is successful.

The former head of Border Force Tony Smith told GB News the deal would make no difference to the numbers crossing the Channel, as the figure was too modest to act as a deterrent.
A Home Office spokesman said: “The people smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people the exploit live or die, as long as they pay and we will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.

”That is why this Government has put together a serious plan to take down these networks at every stage.

“Through international intelligence sharing under our Border Security Command, enhanced enforcement operations in northern France and tougher legislation in the Border Security and Asylum and Immigration Bill, we are strengthening our partnerships, and boosting our ability to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal gangs whilst strengthening the security of our borders."