Border Force “taxi” vessels are preparing to assist and escort hundreds of incoming migrants who are currently crossing the English Channel.
More than 400 illegal migrants left Calais and Dunkirk on Wednesday morning, being waved on by the French authorities.
Officials say interception, rescue, and safe landing operations are carried out simultaneously to prevent loss of life at sea.
French patrol vessels are tracking multiple dinghies departing from areas near Calais and Dunkirk, where smugglers are reportedly exploiting unusually warm weather conditions.
Authorities believe up to 450 people may currently be on the water, which would represent the highest single-day crossing attempt recorded this year if confirmed.
French and British agencies have already intercepted dozens of migrants, with many expected to be transferred to Ramsgate as operations continue.
A senior maritime source told GB News: “It’s quite remarkable that we are now overtaking the totals for the last two years at this point in the year, given the atrocious weather in the Channel in these first two months of 2026.
And the fact we are seeing huge numbers already gathering in the migrant camps tells you we’re likely to be in for another record year of arrivals.
Reports from GB News suggest around 4,500 migrants are staying in makeshift camps around Calais and Dunkirk while awaiting opportunities to attempt crossings.
Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf said the French President Emmanuel Macron is “laughing at us” as illegal migrants are crossing the Channel at a “record pace”.
Yusuf fumed: “It’s ridiculous, but equally they are looking out for French interests.
“Macron is laughing at us because France has taken £700million of British taxpayers’ money with the express goal of stopping the boats.
“What’s happened? The boats are coming at a record pace. It’s a joke. France is laughing at us.
“Yes, I can condemn Macron. But, here’s the point, it’s British political leaders that are allowing this insane stuff to happen.
“My anger, and I think a lot of the anger of the British people, is directed at British politicians, frankly, who have betrayed their own people.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “It is pathetic the French are allowing two-thirds of illegal immigrants to embark.
“Last summer, I witnessed French police ushering illegal immigrants on to a bus headed towards the departure points.
“We should not pay any more unless they start to take effective action.
“They should intercept all the boats near the French shore, which can easily and safely be done.”
Anger is mounting over claims that the French interception rate is too low.
Critics are targeting cooperation between Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, demanding tougher action against smuggling gangs.
A shocking analysis claims that two-thirds of crossings are successful, prompting calls to end financial payments to Paris.
The French claim they have blocked 22,476 attempts, though many are believed to involve boats breaking down, overcrowding disasters or dangerous weather forcing turnbacks.
Some commentators have urged the UK government to reconsider financial contributions made to French border enforcement operations.
