More than 600 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats in a single day, pushing the total number of arrivals this year beyond 6,000, according to official figures.
Nine boats were intercepted mid-Channel and brought ashore at the Port of Dover by Border Force vessels on Saturday, with the Home Office confirming 602 arrivals.
The latest figures bring the total number of crossings in 2026 so far to 6,077, marking one of the highest early-year tallies in recent years.
Chris Philp criticised the government’s handling of border control, saying: “This is yet another day of shame for this weak Prime minister and Home Secretary.”
He added: “They have no control whatsoever over our borders.”
Philp also claimed: “Illegal Channel crossings are up by 45 per cent since the general election… Labour’s claims to smash the gangs lie in tatters.”
The surge in crossings comes as ministers continue negotiations with France over border enforcement measures.
A temporary agreement has been reached to continue beach patrols, funded by the UK, after a previous multi-year deal expired.
The interim deal is expected to last two months while both sides attempt to reach a longer-term arrangement.
Meanwhile, the government has introduced a voluntary return scheme offering failed asylum seeker families financial incentives to leave the UK.
Under the scheme, families can receive up to £40,000 alongside travel costs, although officials have not disclosed how many have accepted the offer.
A separate “one in, one out” returns arrangement has seen hundreds of migrants transferred between the UK and France, though figures suggest near-equal numbers have moved in both directions.
The continued rise in crossings highlights the ongoing challenges facing UK border policy, with thousands of migrants still attempting the journey across one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
As pressure mounts, the issue remains central to political debate over immigration, enforcement and international cooperation.