boat

The “gold standard” for the UK would be to strike a generous beach-returns deal with France, says Mr Walsh, in which France agrees to take back migrants who arrive via the Channel and intercept boats.

More than 33,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year, which is higher than the total figure for the previous year.

"Two generations of my family worked on the same boat and absolutely loved working on her. Precious memories in our hearts and lives," said Mairi.

A small group prayed and sang a psalm as cars boarded the boat, but several hundred other people stood and clapped as a show of support for the sailing.

His pregnant wife was also among the 46 people squeezed on to the boat.