Cliff Notes
- Over 25,000 migrants have crossed the Channel into the UK in 2023, marking the earliest the figure has been reached since records began in 2018.
- On a single day, 898 migrants were detected arriving in 13 boats, contributing to a total of 25,436 since January 1.
- The surge in arrivals poses challenges for the government, with opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer vowing to tackle trafficking gangs amidst rising public discontent.
Small boat Channel arrivals pass 25,000 – the earliest in year figure has been reached so far | UK News
More than 25,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel so far this year – the earliest the figure has been reached. But the net figure which includes people who immediately returned is lower, closer to 2000.
Almost 900 migrants (898) were detected crossing the Channel on Wednesday, in 13 boats – bringing the total number of arrivals recorded since 1 January to 25,436.
Last year, the number of arrivals didn’t pass 25,000 until 22 September. At this point last year, 16,842 people had crossed, and this is the earliest the 25,000 figure has been passed since records began in 2018.
Politics latest: Small boat record passed
The record will signal further struggles for the government as it looks to reduce the number of people entering the UK clandestinely.
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to “smash the gangs”, after Rishi Sunak‘s promise to “stop the boats” failed.
Responding to the latest figures, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said on social media: “898 illegals crossed the English Channel yesterday.
“This means more hotels, more costs and more people who should not be here.
“The public have had ENOUGH!”
He was called a ‘Drama queen’ and blowing it out of proportion as its only 1800 people in 6 months, and ‘not telling the truth’ on social media.
