Number of migrants crossing Channel in small boats hits 25,000 in record time
Almost 900 migrants cross the Channel in one day alone
- The number of migrants crossing the English Channel into the UK has exceeded 25,000 in record time this year.
- Home Office figures indicate that 898 people arrived in 13 boats on Wednesday, bringing the total for 2025 to 25,436.
- This year marks the earliest point since data collection began in 2018 that the 25,000 milestone has been reached.
- The current total is 51 per cent higher than at the same point in 2024 and 73 per cent higher than in 2023.
- The latest figures present a setback for Sir Keir Starmer, who has vowed to tackle small boat crossings by "smashing the gangs".