LONDON – Recent government data has revealed that nearly 1,200 migrants made their way to the United Kingdom on Saturday via small boats crossing from France to the English Channel, marking the highest daily record for this year.
According to the Home Office figures, 1,194 individuals reached UK shores in 18 boats on Saturday under favorable weather conditions. This surge brings the annual total thus far to 14,811, a 42% increase from the same period last year. The rising numbers have mounted pressure on the Labour government, which assumed power nearly a year ago, thanks in part to public dissatisfaction with the previous Conservative administration’s handling of the crossing issue.
Abandoning the previous government’s controversial plan to send unauthorized migrants to Rwanda, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to manage the situation by targeting the smuggling networks that facilitate these crossings. His government has since boosted international intelligence-sharing, intensified enforcement operations in northern France, and implemented stricter immigration laws.
French law enforcement was observed monitoring as migrants embarked onto boats from a beach in Gravelines, located between Calais and Dunkirk, with authorities subsequently escorting the vessels. French officials reported rescuing 184 individuals during these operations.
Defense Secretary John Healey described the scenes witnessed on Saturday as “pretty shocking” during an interview with Sky News, pointing out the challenge posed by French police’s inability to intercept boats in shallow waters. He emphasized that the UK is urging France to initiate new measures that allow intervention in such situations.
He mentioned progress in Franco-British cooperation, stating, “They’re not doing it, but, for the first time in years, we’ve got the level of cooperation needed.” He pointed out that the focus is now on pressuring France to operationalize changes that will enable the interception of smugglers and migrant boats before they leave the shore.
Despite combined efforts from both countries, the route across the Channel remains a popular smuggling avenue for individuals escaping conflict or poverty. Many migrants view the UK as a favorable destination due to language familiarity, familial connections, or perceived ease of obtaining asylum and employment.
The Home Office reports indicate that 36,816 people arrived in the UK on small boats in 2024, a 25% rise from 2023’s count of 29,437. The peak arrival year remains 2022, with a tally of 45,774.