The record for the largest number of migrants crossing the English Channel on a single small boat has been broken, with 128 people crammed into one vessel on Friday. The previous record of 125 in a single boat was set in September last year.
A Home Office spokesperson told the BBC that the figure indicates that smuggling gangs are "taking greater risks than ever" and that the number of people crammed into "unseaworthy boats has been rising year on year".
Overall Arrivals Down Despite Record Boat
Despite the record number in a single boat being surpassed, the overall number of migrants crossing the Channel has fallen, according to data. Some 11,884 migrants arrived in the six months from January to June, 41% lower than the 19,982 who had reached the UK by this point last year. It is also down 12% on the 13,489 who arrived in the first six months of 2024.
The steep drop is likely due to factors including weather, supply of small boat parts, Government policy, and the flow of migrants into Europe, the Home Office said.
Government Policy and Funding
In April, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signed a three-year agreement with France to pay £662 million to support beach patrols as part of efforts to drive down arrivals. Ms Mahmood is also seeking to overhaul the asylum system to deter crossings and deport people more easily, including proposed changes to make refugee status temporary.
The Immigration and Asylum Bill, introduced to Parliament 10 days ago, sets out new powers for the Home Office to recover costs from adults who have received asylum support, such as accommodation.
Asylum Costs and Contributions
Asylum seekers in the UK received £4 billion in accommodation and support last year alone. The Home Office estimates the average cost per person per night to accommodate asylum seekers is £23.25 in dispersal accommodation and £144 in hotels. Subsistence payments range from £9.95 to £49.18 per person per week.
Ms Mahmood said: "The cost of asylum accommodation on the British taxpayer is too high. We have already reduced asylum costs by £1 billion, but it is also right that we ask those who can contribute to do so. Receiving asylum support is a right, but it is also a responsibility. Once people can contribute and repay the generosity of the British people, we expect them to do so."
