More than 10,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel this year after hundreds arrived on Thursday, marking a grim milestone for Labour's handling of the crisis. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned of "even more HMOs" (houses of multiple occupation) as the asylum system continues to face intense pressure.
Arrivals Surge Past 10,000
Some 710 people arrived on Monday, bringing the total to 9,852. At least three boats were believed to have arrived on Thursday, pushing the number past 10,000, with two more boats currently in French waters. Farage declared: "Over 10,000 illegal migrants have now crossed the English Channel in 2026. That means even more HMOs for Makerfield under Labour."
May Crossings Down Year-on-Year
In May, 2,726 people made the crossing to Britain, a decrease of 1,000 compared to the same period in 2025. However, the overall pressure on the asylum system remains high. Currently, 68,719 asylum seekers are living in houses, flats, and bedsits, including large HMOs, across communities nationwide.
Government Pledges to Close Migrant Hotels
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has vowed to close every migrant hotel by the next general election. However, the growing number of people in dispersal accommodation is likely to anger the public further due to a lack of infrastructure. Anger over HMOs triggered riots in Belfast, with communities criticising the unfairness of illegal migrants being given housing while locals struggle.
Hidden Numbers and Asylum Applications
The true number of migrants supported by taxpayers may be higher than headline figures. Separate government data shows almost 40,000 Afghans are living in taxpayer-funded accommodation, most of whom arrived after being evacuated following the Taliban takeover. Some 265 council areas now house asylum seekers. Britain's asylum crisis was laid bare as 93,525 people sought sanctuary in the UK last year, down from 106,130 the previous year. Of these, 38,980 applied after crossing the Channel on a dinghy, while 36,711 claimed refuge after arriving on study, work, or visitor visas. Among this group, 10,835 held study visas, 13,994 work visas, 7,048 visitor visas, and 4,834 other forms of leave.
