U.K. government data released Sunday revealed that over 1,100 migrants arrived in the country on Saturday via small boats crossing the English Channel from France, marking the highest single-day total recorded so far this year.
According to the latest figures from the Home Office, 1,194 migrants reached British shores on 18 boats during favorable weather conditions, pushing the provisional total for the year to 14,811 arrivals. This number is 42% higher than the same period last year, increasing pressure on the Labour government, which returned to power almost a year ago partly due to public dissatisfaction with the previous Conservative administration’s handling of the migration crisis.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government abandoned the Conservative plan to send unauthorized migrants to Rwanda and instead pledged to focus on dismantling the criminal gangs and business networks behind the smuggling operations.
Since taking office, Starmer’s administration has improved international intelligence sharing, stepped up enforcement efforts in northern France, and introduced stricter immigration laws.
On Saturday, French police were observed monitoring migrants boarding boats at a beach in Gravelines, located between Calais and Dunkirk, before escorting the vessels. French authorities also reported rescuing 184 people.
Defense Secretary John Healey described the scenes as “pretty shocking” in an interview with Sky News. He highlighted the challenge that French police face in intercepting boats in shallow waters, urging France to implement new regulations that would allow them to act more effectively.
Healey noted progress in cooperation, saying, “For the first time in years, we have the level of cooperation needed.” He emphasized the U.K.’s focus on ensuring France follows through so smugglers can be stopped before reaching the shore.
Despite efforts from both countries, the Channel crossing remains a major route for migrants fleeing conflict or poverty. Many choose the U.K. due to language familiarity, family connections, or the perception of easier access to asylum and work opportunities.
The Home Office reported that 36,816 people have arrived in the U.K. on small boats so far in 2024, which is a 25% increase compared to 29,437 in 2023. The highest number of arrivals was recorded in 2022, with 45,774 migrants making the crossing.