UK: Nearly 30,000 migrants crossed Channel in 2023
The number of migrants arriving by boats in the United Kingdom from mainland Europe across the Channel dropped 36% in 2023, UK government data showed.
In 2023, the number of people arriving in small boats fell to 29,437 from 2022's record of 45,775.
Crossings over the Channel — a major shipping lane — have been a challenge for the Conservative government in Britain.
What did the UK PM say?
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has prioritized halting these arrivals, promising last year to "stop the boats."
"I am determined to end the burden of illegal migration on the British people," Sunak said. "That is why we have taken action to stop the boats, return hotels to their local communities and deter those wanting to come here illegally from doing so."
With general elections due this year, Sunak is looking to make good on his promise to bring down the high number of irregular arrivals, although last month he said there was no "firm date" set for fulfilling this pledge.
"I am focused on delivering on my commitment to stop the boats and get flights off the ground to Rwanda," Sunak said in a statement.
The government had planned to deter migrants from crossing by refusing asylum applications of those arriving without authorization and sending some to Rwanda.
That plan hit a roadblock after the UK Supreme Court ruled it illegal under international law.
Government credits action against small boats
Britain spends over €3.46 billion ($3.7 billion) annually on asylum processes, with significant costs for migrant housing.
The government cleared a backlog of 92,000 asylum cases by the end of 2023, processing over 112,000 cases with a 67% grant rate.
On Monday, the government credited its action against "small boats" as well as migrant return deals with countries such as Albania with the reduction of migrant arrival numbers.
According to Downing Street, in 2023, more than 24,000 were deported while 246 arrests were made for human trafficking.
Meanwhile, the opposition Labour party argues that Sunak has not fulfilled his promise and says his immigration policy is in chaos.
India targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, says Modi
India’s economy will become carbon neutral by the year 2070, the country’s prime minster has announced at the COP26 climate crisis summit in Glasgow. The target date is two decades beyond what scientists say is needed to avert catastrophic climate impacts. India is the last of the world’s major carbon polluters to announce a net-zero target, with China saying it would reach that goal in 2060, and the United States and the European Union aiming for 2050.
COP26: What climate summit means for one woman in Bangladesh
China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries. Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change. In 2020, China's President Xi Jinping said his country would aim for its emissions to reach their highest point before 2030 and for carbon neutrality before 2060. His statement has now been confirmed as China's official position ahead of the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow. But China has not said exactly how these goals will be achieved.
Why China's climate policy matters to us all
China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries. Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change. In 2020, China's President Xi Jinping said his country would aim for its emissions to reach their highest point before 2030 and for carbon neutrality before 2060. His statement has now been confirmed as China's official position ahead of the COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow. But China has not said exactly how these goals will be achieved.
Deliver on promises, developing world tells rich at climate talks
A crucial U.N. conference heard calls on its first day for the world's major economies to keep their promises of financial help to address the climate crisis, while big polluters India and Brazil made new commitments to cut emissions. World leaders, environmental experts and activists all pleaded for decisive action to halt the global warming which threatens the future of the planet at the start of the two-week COP26 summit in the Scottish city of Glasgow on Monday. The task facing negotiators was made even more daunting by the failure of the Group of 20 major industrial nations to agree ambitious new commitments at the weekend.