It is not ‘illegal’ to cross the channel by any means, including by inflatable boat, nor is it ‘illegal’ to land on a beach. It only becomes illegal if those landing on the beach attempt to evade notifying the immigration authorities of their arrival.

‘Illegal Immigrants’ is an extreme right-wing dog-whistle term, deliberately designed and used to get the simpletons and those who are hard of thinking foaming at the mouth. It obviously works, judging by recent posts.