Navy backs out of migrant patrols: Will not take charge of Channel dinghies crisis

The Royal Navy will no longer take charge of the Channel migrant crisis, it was reported last night.

The Ministry of Defence has told ministers that Navy ships will return operational control of rescuing migrants and bringing them ashore to Border Force on January 31.

It comes four months after the first Royal Navy ships were deployed to co-ordinate Border Force and Coastguard boats to rescue migrants.

At least 20,000 Channel migrants have arrived this year – a milestone not reached until November in 2021.

Ministers fear the recent surge in Albanian arrivals will push this year's number of small boat arrivals far beyond the record 28,500 seen in 2021.

The Navy coordinates Border Force and Coastguard boats to rescue migrants and bring them ashore as part of its 'command and control' role.