Record-breaking number of migrants cross English Channel in a single day
- Over 800 migrants arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel in a day.
- The highest single-day figure since 2022 was recorded.
- The migrant crossings continue to be a major issue in the region.
On Tuesday, a record-breaking 882 people crossed the English Channel, the highest number in a single day this year. This surpasses the previous record of 711 in 2024 and marks the highest daily total since November 29, 2022, when 947 people arrived. The Home Office reported that 15 boats were involved in the crossings, with an average of about 59 people per boat. The total number of arrivals by small boats in 2024 is now at 12,313, which is 18% higher than the same point last year and 5% higher than in 2022. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has not specified a target number for crossings. Since Sunak took office in October 2022, there have been nearly 50,000 crossings, reaching 49,376. Over 2,000 arrivals have been recorded since the general election was called in May, with immigration becoming a key campaign issue. Since the government's deal to send migrants to Rwanda in April 2022, a total of 81,677 people have made the journey. Rescue operations were conducted on Tuesday to assist around 85 migrants on small boats in the English Channel. The Home Office continues to collaborate with French partners to prevent crossings and save lives, while the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and RNLI are actively involved in responding to incidents in the Channel.