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Another busy day in the Channel

A UK Border Force vessel carries illegal migrants into Dover Port after collecting them in the middle of the English Channel in October (Getty)

A whopping 900 illegal migrants crossed the Channel in just three days. Updated Home Office figures show Shabana Mahmood is quelle surprise some way from ‘smashing the gangs’. Despite the cooler temperatures, 378 people arrived on six dinghies yesterday. Sunday’s total was 364, and Saturday’s 161. A busy weekend in the Channel indeed.

Clearly, the prospect of being housed near Piddington rather than in a hotel has done little to dampen demand. And if a woman is among those who make it across, she could even be given a free hijab, courtesy of the British taxpayer. Home Office figures show that 974 Islamic face coverings were handed out between January and June this year. An investigation by GB News found that the hijabs were bought from a Chinese supplier.

And in other migrant news… around 20,000 foreign offenders are living freely in British communities despite being subject to deportation orders. For nationals of countries including Nigeria and Algeria, barely 5 per cent of offenders awaiting removal can realistically expect to leave the UK. All going swimmingly…

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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

This article originally appeared in the UK edition

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