More than 1,000 migrants cross Channel in small boats in just two days

More than 1,000 migrants have arrived in the UK over two days, having crossed the English Channel in small boats, according to Home Office figures. Home Office statistics say 437 people made the crossing on Friday, June 20, in seven boats, while on Saturday, a further 583 crossed in eight boats, bringing the total for the two days to 1,020.

This brings the total for this week to 2,083 and the total for the year to 18,400. This compares to 12,644 by the same date in 2024, 10,601 in 2023 and 11,739 in 2022. The news comes as an Express investigation found rife rule-breaking at a 3-star migrant hotel in London.

The latest arrivals come despite the French appearing to take a tougher stance on their beaches.

Also, Sir Keir Starmer said this week that the situation was “deteriorating” and threatened a visa crackdown.

The Prime Minister signalled that countries which did not do enough to tackle the irregular migration crisis, for example by taking back failed asylum seekers, could face repercussions in the number of visas issued to their citizens.

Sir Keir’s message came as French police were seen to employ more robust tactics on the beaches this week, including using teargas.

But they were also seen to stand by and watch once migrants had entered the water to board a dinghy in the hope of crossing the English Channel.