RENNES, France: French police said on Wednesday they had rescued 66 migrants, including women and children, who were trying to cross the English Channel to Britain.
A boat carrying people was found in trouble off the coast of the northern town of Dieppe, police said.
People were taken to Dieppe and subjected to document checks.
In March, UK government figures showed that since the start of 2024, more migrants have arrived in the UK via the English Channel from northern France, with around 4,644 people doing so.
Immigration has become a major political issue in Britain as the country prepares for a general election later this year.
British lawmakers last week passed controversial legislation that would allow some asylum seekers to be deported to Rwanda, a move criticized by human rights groups.
The British government confirmed earlier on Wednesday that it would begin detaining people for deportation to Rwanda in July under the new policy.
