I included the numbers previously returned above.

Well if it wasn’t a deterrent why have the numbers shot up so drastically since 2019 - that’s what I’m asking?

Believe me, the threat of being returned deterred very few, if any. The smugglers were aware that the chances of their customers being removed was slim ( not that they worried) . In all my years of working in Border Force very few were removed under Dublin Convention, for reasons I previously mentioned.
I do not know why numbers have shot up ( nor does anyone else) but we can all have an opinion.
My opinion is, based on my experience and as previously stated, arrivals get far more help here than most other countries, (accommodation, health care, education, weekly money) on arrival so why would you not choose to come here? I would.
The fact that most people seem to ignore is tgat, a genuine refugee would seek a safe haven in a nearby country, they would not travel through all of Europe ( that Utopia) and not want to stay there

Don’t be silly

Which more than anything makes a mockery of the idea that refugees only want to come here - I’m assuming all of those returned here must have been here and tried to travel elsewhere?

Would make sense, yeah - doesn’t explain why it would still be the case now though.

It’s also good to acknowledge that closing down legal routes merely encourages more people to make the crossing and so the government have knowingly contributed to this ‘crisis’.

I have had many dealings with JCWI over the years and not always seen eye to eye. She makes some good points, however those crossing the Channel who are from French speaking West Africa, with no family here should be accepted by the French? Not sure where that leaves the Albanians!
When they first get off the boats,they are given food, new clothes ( many laugh as it is not what they want to wear) access to phones ( although most have their own) instant medical care.
When in hotels etc, they are able to have 2 GP visits a week, which is better than most residents.
Does it take too long to process applications? Absolutely but this is not always the HO fault. For example if an arrival has relatives already here and can provide the address, they will be granted temporary admission to that address. If they then move unbeknown to HO and/or choose not to comply with requests for an interview, what do you do?
Those who claim to be minors are placed with Social Services who find foster homes fir them. Many just disappear within days, worrying? Absolutely especially if they are minors. What can be done? Not allowed to detain minors and their applicantions can not be dealt with.
Believe me, having worked for the HO for many years I am not a great fan but I do feel a sense or perspective should be made when HO are totally blamed when there are other factors at play