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UK sees record number of migrants crossing the Channel on small boats
Since the start of the year, 14,808 migrants have reached the UK by crossing the English Channel in small vessels. On Saturday alone, British authorities recorded 1,194 arrivals, marking the highest daily number this year according to official data compiled by AFP. Despite numerous measures by both French and British governments aimed at curbing these crossings, the phenomenon continues to grow.
The previous single-day record was set in early September 2022, with 1,305 migrants arriving on British shores. That year, the total number of arrivals reached 45,774. After a decline in 2023, illegal crossings surged again last year with 36,800 migrants, and current trends suggest this year may surpass previous records.
The Labour government under Keir Starmer, like prior Conservative administrations, has pledged to combat illegal immigration. A border control bill is currently under review in Parliament, aiming to strengthen law enforcement powers against smuggling networks.
French maritime authorities reported rescuing 184 people in the Strait of Dover between Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. However, images showing French police observing migrants depart beaches without intervening—as allowed by maritime law have sparked criticism in the UK, especially in conservative media.
John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, described these scenes as “shocking” during an interview on Sky News. He emphasized the need for France to change its approach, urging closer cooperation so French authorities can intercept smugglers and stop boats before they reach UK shores, rather than only acting at the shoreline.
Since the beginning of the year, at least 15 people have died crossing the Channel, according to official figures compiled by AFP. In 2024, 78 migrants lost their lives attempting this hazardous journey, marking a record since the phenomenon began in 2018.
