Migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel for the first time in nearly two weeks. Pictures show individuals wearing lifejackets being escorted from a Border Security Command vessel in Dover, Kent.
Weather Break Enables Crossings
A break in the recent poor weather allowed for several crossing attempts to be launched on Friday, with temperatures expected to rise over the bank holiday weekend. The crossing is the first since May 9, and so far this month, more than 1,000 people have arrived.
Decline in Arrivals
The number of arrivals is down 44% compared to the same time last year and 23% lower than the same point in 2024. Experts attribute this to various factors, including weather conditions, the supply of small boat parts, government policy, and the number of migrants entering Europe.
Net Migration Drop
This development comes after it was revealed that UK net migration dropped to an estimated 171,000 last year, the lowest level since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The figures for the 12 months to December are down 48% compared with the previous year (331,000), according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It is the first time the estimate—which measures the difference between arrivals and departures—has fallen below 200,000 since the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak. The figures could lead to renewed calls for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s immigration policies to be moderated.
Marley Morris from the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank stated that the Government’s progress “should prompt a more measured debate.”
