Of what is happening on the Channel, we know this for certain: it is not a crisis. Only 239 foreign nationals have crossed unauthorised since November, a rounding error in the 625,000 legal migrants and 15,170 asylum seekers and other protectees granted leave in the UK in the year to June 2018. We know this isn’t a real crisis, too, because the Home Secretary has cut short his holiday to manage it. There is nothing phonier than a minister dragging his family away from the beach to get his best serious face in the Sun. Thomas Cook probably offers insurance for the eventuality: ‘Might have to return home early to be beasted on the Today programme? Buy peace of mind with our new John Humphrys (In-Studio) Premium Cover’.
What’s more, the Church of England says it’s not a crisis — and they would know. The charity Help Refugees says it’s not a crisis.
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