UK coastguard responding to multiple migrant crossings in English Channel

Britain's coastguard said on Thursday it had coordinated a response to multiple incidents involving small boat crossings in the English Channel earlier that morning.

"HM Coastguard has been coordinating a response to multiple incidents involving small boats in the Channel this morning," it said in a statement, adding that Border Force vessels had been sent as part of the response.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for a state visit, with the two leaders expected to announce tougher migration controls later on Thursday.