When two years ago Nigel Farage posted a video of small boats containing asylum seekers taking the illegal route across the English Channel, he got some attention on social media but not much beyond his fanbase. Farage, who lives on the south coast and likes to fish, claimed he had seen the French escorting migrants into British coastal waters. Officials denied it. There was a flurry of interest and some questions in the Commons before the issue faded.
Last summer, a dogged Farage returned to the issue. It looked to his opponents as if the former Ukip leader was searching desperately for a post-Brexit way to stay relevant. Critics laughed. They’re not laughing now.
Hundreds of asylum seekers are landing on the coast each day.