Suspected migrants brought to Dover by UK forces

More migrant dinghies were seen being intercepted by UK Border Force boats and arriving at the port of Dover Saturday, following the British government's pledge to strengthen border measures.

The week saw a record daily number of people crossing the English Channel to the UK in small boats.

UK Schools Minister Nick Gibb told Sky News on Saturday the government was working with their French counterparts to reduce the number of arrivals, including preventing them from leaving France.

"People seeking asylum should be content that France is a safe place to seek asylum," Gibb said.

At least 235 migrants in 17 boats landed or were picked up by British Coast Guard and Border Force boats on Thursday, surpassing last week’s record of 202 arrivals in one day.

One group on a beach in south east England included a woman who appeared to be heavily pregnant.

Migrants have long used northern France as a launching point to reach Britain, either in trucks through the Channel tunnel or on ferries.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the UK's strong economy and need for farm and restaurant labor drew migrants from around the world who could speak some English.

Some have turned to small boats organised by smugglers because lockdowns have reduced opportunities to stow away on ferries and trucks.

Fine summer weather is also prompting more people to make the risky sea crossing - about 20 miles (32 kilometres) at its narrowest point - in vessels as small as dinghies and kayaks.