SOME 803 small boat migrants crossed the Channel yesterday in 13 dinghies in the highest number for two months.
The total number of crossings for 2025 , according to the latest official figures.
Migrants try to board a smuggler’s boat in an attempt to cross the English Channel off the beach of Gravelines, northern FranceCredit: AFP
Migrants disembark from a British Border Force vessel as they arrive at the Port of DoverCredit: Reuters
People thought to be migrants onboard a small boat in the English ChannelCredit: PA
Saturday’s crossings are the largest number of people to have made the journey since October 8, when 1,075 crossed in a day.
It also appeared to be a record number of crossings for a day in December, when compared with data stretching back to 2018.
It is not however, the largest total across the month of December compared with previous years.
December is traditionally one of the quietest months for Channel crossings, with a combination of low temperatures, poor visibility, less daylight and stormy making the journey particularly difficult.
The most arrivals recorded in the month of December is 3,254, in 2024.
Some 2,163 people have arrived across the month so far this year.
On Saturday morning, a Border Force vessel could be seen bringing people thought to be migrants into Dover after an incident in the Channel.
This followed a busy night, in which a large number of boats were witnessed leaving the shores of .
The Government, meanwhile, continues efforts to grasp the so-called “upstream” causes of the migration crisis, including through work with neighbouring countries.
Just this week, passed a new which could see people smugglers face up to 10 years in for trying to bring migrants to the UK.
The change, which will come into force before the end of the year, aims to give more powers to law enforcement and prosecutors, and boost information sharing between the UK and .
has meanwhile recently indicated it plans to halt small boats at sea before they pick people up heading for the UK.
Foreign Secretary was in last week to sign an agreement in a bid to
The deal includes £1.5million in extra funding for schemes to stop migrants attempting the deadly crossings.
Ms Cooper said: “Our new agreement with Greece will help us tackle the criminal smuggling upstream that are exploiting vulnerable people and driving dangerous crossings, helping to address these problems before they reach our shores.”
Shadow Home Secretary said: “This Government’s turned the Channel into a system where entry is guaranteed and removal is optional.”
Days earlier, Home Secretary conceded nearly 18 months after Labour came to power.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was in Greece last week to sign an agreement in a bid to tackle smuggling gangsCredit: AP
‘This government’s turned the Channel into a system where entry is guaranteed and removal is optional’, blasts Shadow Home Sec Chris PhilpCredit: Getty
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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