A total of 167 people in 13 small boats made their way across the Channel during yesterday's sunny weather.

That's according to the Ministry of Defence which records official figures for the number of crossings every 24 hours.

The latest brings the total number of crossings this year to nearly 8,000 so far.

It comes as the Prime Minister yesterday announced the government will start sending those seeking asylum to Rwanda under a controversial new resettlement scheme within a fortnight.

Boris Johnson says 50 "illegal entrants into this country" have been served notice and will be relocated as part of a deal signed by the Home Secretary last month.

Read more: What is going on in the Channel and how can the crisis be solved?

But that is expected to be challenged in the courts.

Described by Priti Patel as a “world-first” agreement, the scheme will see asylum seekers who are deemed to have arrived in the UK “illegally” sent to Rwanda, where their claims will be processed.

If successful, they will be granted asylum or given refugee status in the country.

Those with failed bids will be offered the chance to apply for visas under other immigration routes if they wish to remain but could still face deportation.

Last week official figures show 792 people made the perilous journey in 30 small boats.