A total of 882 migrants successfully crossed the English Channel on Tuesday, marking the highest number of arrivals in a single day this year. The Home Office reported that 15 boats were detected during the crossings, with an average of approximately 59 people per boat.
This surge in arrivals is significant, as it has only occurred twice in the past year, with the last instance being in September 2023. The provisional total for small boat arrivals in 2024 now stands at 12,313, representing an 18% increase compared to the equivalent point last year (10,472). Additionally, this year’s figure is 5% higher than the total at the same stage in 2022 (11,690).
In contrast, 2023 saw a decline in arrivals, with a total of 29,437 migrants crossing the Channel—a 36% decrease from the record 45,774 arrivals in 2022.
The government has pledged to address the issue of small boat crossings, but it remains unclear what specific target they are aiming for. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has not defined a threshold for acceptable numbers.
Since assuming office in October 2022, Mr. Sunak has overseen nearly 50,000 Channel crossings, with the current tally standing at 49,376.
As the general election campaign heats up, immigration continues to be a key battleground, with more than 2,000 arrivals recorded since the election was called on May 22.
