More than 20,000 people have crossed the English Channel illegally aboard small boats into the UK since the start of the year, more than double the total for the whole of 2020, the latest figures show. Despite government promises to stem the flow of small boats, which are often overloaded semi-rigid inflatables, the numbers this year have continued to eclipse those of previous years. On Tuesday, UK authorities rescued or intercepted 456 people who attempted to cross the Channel, and the French authorities also prevented 343 people from reaching the UK. Some 19,756 people had already reached the UK from France in small boats this year, according to data compiled by the PA news agency. Dan O’Mahoney, Clandestine Channel Threat Commander for the Home Office, described the journey as “dangerous, unnecessary, and facilitated by violent criminal gangs profiting from misery.” “We are working with the French to stop boats leaving …