A MAJORITY of people who have crossed the Channel on small boats this year would be recognised as refugees if their application had been processed, analysis of government figures shows.

Contradicting ministers’ claims that most people crossing the Channel do not need protection, the report by the Refugee Council, released today, found that 74 per cent of those who have crossed the Channel this year – or 14,648 people – would be granted asylum in normal circumstances.

The study also found that once the Illegal Migration Act is fully enforced only 3.5 per cent of people arriving would be returned to their home countries every year.