A few sturdy souls dressed in waterproof winter coats braved the elements to take a walk along Folkestone’s clifftop promenade, The Leas. Some winced as the biting wind and slanted rain hit their faces. Below them the waves of the Channel rose high as they bashed the shore. This was weather to gladden the heart of the home secretary, Suella Braverman.
The Home Office officials and their boss, who reportedly scrutinise the weather forecasts more than most, may have offered silent prayers of thanks to the weather gods in the last few days. After a spike in the numbers of people in crossings the previous weekend – including 972 recorded on 12 November – there were zero crossings due to the inclement conditions over 15-17 November.
