Teenager charged with piloting small boat to UK as over 640 migrants make trip in Burnham's first week as PM
A 19-year-old Sudanese national has been charged with piloting a small boat across the English Channel as migrant crossings continue to rise. The incident occurred during a week that saw over 600 arrivals, coinciding with the first week of Andy Burnham's tenure as Prime Minister.
Why it matters
The surge in Channel crossings and the legal response to boat pilots remain central, contentious issues in UK immigration policy and domestic politics.
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A teenager has been charged with piloting a small boat across the Channel from France to the UK.
Sudanese national Chan Mathok Atak, 19, is accused of endangering another during a journey by sea on Thursday.
Atak, from South Sudan , has been remanded in custody and will appear at Margate Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the National Crime Agency said.
It comes as Home Office figures show 366 people arrived after crossing in three boats on Thursday during warm, sunny weather and calm conditions at sea.
In Andy Burnham’s first week as Prime Minister 641 migrants have made the perilous journey from France to Britain.
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