Britain announced Monday it will deploy two border patrol ships in the Channel in response to a surge in migrants crossing from France in dinghies.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid, the interior minister, said the Border Force ships would balance protecting human life with protecting Britain's borders.
In December, around 230 people tried to make the 21-mile (33-kilometre) journey from France to Britain, Javid said
The attempts, chiefly by Iranian nationals, to cross one of the world's busiest shipping lanes have been made in dinghies and other small craft.
Javid said about 230 migrants had sought to cross the Channel in December but "just under half have actually been disrupted by the French" and did not reach British waters.
He said efforts were being stepped up to tackle people smugglers and to return migrants to France.
Britain and France agreed Sunday to boost bilateral cooperation over the spike.
In the coming weeks, the two countries will increase surveillance patrols, efforts to dismantle trafficking gangs and awareness about the dangers of crossing the Channel.
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Britain Sends Ships To Tackle Migrant Crossing Surge
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Britain Sends Ships To Tackle Migrant Crossing Surge
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Re: Britain Sends Ships To Tackle Migrant Crossing Surge
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