How the Covid pandemic has led to more Channel crossings– video explainer

A record number of people are expected to cross the Channel to the UK in small boats this year to claim asylum.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, more than 10,000 people have already made the dangerous and potentially fatal 21-mile journey across the busiest shipping lane in the world. On 4 August, 482migrants crossed the Channel - a record for a single day.

The Guardian journalist Diane Taylor explains what is driving people to take the enormous risk

• Charities criticise lack of safer options after 10,000 migrants cross Channel