The number of migrants reaching the UK via the English Channel has hit a record high for the start of the year, with over 8,000 arrivals reported before mid-April.
According to provisional figures from the Home Office, 656 individuals made the crossing in 11 small boats on Saturday alone, bringing the total for 2025 to 8,064. This figure surpasses the previous record of 7,567 for the same period in 2023.
The latest daily figure is the highest recorded so far this year. The all-time peak for a single day remains 1,305 crossings, recorded on 3 September 2022.
A Home Office spokesperson reiterated the government’s determination to overhaul the asylum system, stating: “We have a serious, credible plan to finally restore order to our asylum system. We will stop at nothing to dismantle the business model of people-smuggling gangs.”
The surge in arrivals comes amid ongoing efforts by French authorities to intercept and rescue boats in difficulty. On Saturday, the French Coastguard reported rescuing 50 people.
One vessel carrying 28 people was brought to Calais, while another group of 19 was saved at sea. Three individuals from a separate vessel were landed at Boulogne-sur-Mer. Others on board reportedly declined help and continued their journey.
Earlier this year, the UK government introduced a new offence targeting people who endanger lives at sea, carrying a sentence of up to five years in prison.
This is among a wider package of measures intended to tackle illegal migration, including enhanced enforcement powers and a crackdown on illegal working.
A Home Office spokesperson added: “We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security. Our strategy includes tougher enforcement, a rise in deportations, and stronger action against illegal employment – cutting off the false promises used by smuggling gangs.”
However, the figures have sparked political backlash. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the situation a “national disgrace,” accusing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of losing control of Britain’s borders.
“The gangs are laughing, the boats keep coming, and taxpayers are left to foot the bill,” Philp said.
In response, a Labour spokesperson pointed to the 8,325 crossings that took place over a 10-week period from July to September 2021 – during Philp’s tenure as immigration minister – adding: “We didn’t hear him calling those figures a national disgrace at the time.”
