20/06/2026
The European Parliament has voted in favour of a new law aimed at accelerating the return of migrants with no legal right to stay in the European Union, with the measure passing by 418 votes to 218.
More than 10,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats this year including almost 400 who took advantage of calm weather on Thursday.
Six dinghies carrying 392 migrants — an average of 65 per boat — arrived, taking the total number this year to 10,244 in 159 boats.
Other news
Seven Afghan refugees accused of being part of a grooming gang have denied ra**ng and trafficking teenage victims.
Jamil Khalili, 20, Ahmadin Ahmadzai, 20, Qais Kaker, 20, Fazal Auryakhel, 20, Mohammed Shinwary, 20, Ali Ahamad, 21, and Sayed Wahid Davodzai, 20, denied all 40 charges against them during a hearing at Norwich crown court yesterday and were remanded in custody. All seven are Afghan nationals and hold refugee status.
Five of the men entered the country on small boats, one was concealed in a lorry and the seventh attempted to enter the UK clandestinely via Portsmouth ferry port.
Between them the men are accused of 28 charges of r**e, six of human trafficking, five of conspiracy to r**e and one of perverting the court of justice. (The Times)
