There have been 19 cross-Channel incidents involving a total of 371 asylum seekers over the last two days.

The Home Office says the French authorities prevented four attempted crossings overnight, in the morning on Monday and yesterday involving 73 people.

Meanwhile UK authorities dealt with six incidents involving 148 people yesterday. In all those cases people were picked up at sea by the Border Force and brought to Dover for interview and processing.

The French prevented three attempted crossings overnight and this morning involving 69 people.

And the UK authorities have dealt with six events involving 81 people today. In one case suspected asylum seekers were found landed at Dungeness and in the other five they were rescued at sea by the Border Force and brought to Dover for interview and processing.

Chris Philp, Minister for Immigration Compliance and Justice, said: “People should claim asylum in the first safe European country they have travelled through.

“Last week, we announced the most significant overhaul of our asylum system in decades - a new, comprehensive fair but firm long-term plan.

“Under these plans, we will break the business model of smuggling gangs and protect the lives of those they endanger.”

On March 21, Home Secretary Priti Patel announced a new plan on immigration and asylum.

Refugees who come to the UK through a safe and legal resettlement route will get indefinite leave to remain immediately upon arriving in the UK.

Priority is to be given to those in regions of conflict and instability, rather than those who are already in safe European countries.

People are encouraged to contribute their views to the New Plan for Immigration consultation through this link.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover