More than 50,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats since Labour took office in July 2024, according to Home Office data released on Monday. The figures show 474 arrivals on Monday alone, bringing the total to 50,271 since the general election on 4 July.
The milestone has intensified pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with Education Minister Jacqui Smith calling the situation “unacceptable”. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch claimed she could reduce crossings to zero “quickly” by using detention centres and deterrence measures, though she did not provide specific details.
So far this year, 27,029 migrants have arrived, a 47% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and 67% higher than in 2023. The figures come amid ongoing protests outside asylum seeker hotels and criticism from refugee organisations, who have accused politicians of using inflammatory language.
Over 200 refugee charities and trade unions have signed an open letter urging an end to “pernicious and insidious currents” of racism and hatred. The letter, coordinated by Together With Refugees, was drafted in response to weeks of anti-migrant protests countered by anti-racism activists.
