Almost 1,000 migrants crossed the English Channel over the bank holiday weekend, according to Home Office figures. A total of 989 people in 14 boats arrived in the UK between Friday and Monday, accounting for more than one in ten of those entering the country from mainland Europe so far this year.
The crossings came after a fortnight without any such activity. The Home Office said it was “bearing down” on small boat crossings and had stopped more than 42,000 migrants trying to cross the Channel since the 2024 election. It added: “We have removed or deported almost 60,000 people who were here illegally and are going further to remove the incentives that draw illegal migrants to this country.”
So far in 2026, 8,565 people have crossed the Channel, a 37% decrease compared with the same period last year. The number of crossings peaked in 2022, with more than 45,000 taking place that year.
Last month, the UK and France confirmed a landmark £662 million deal aimed at stopping migrants from crossing the Channel. The agreement seeks to boost “enforcement action on beaches and put people smugglers behind bars”, according to the Home Office. France will deploy millions of pounds worth of drones, two helicopters, and a camera system to intercept people smugglers and illegal migrants, while riot-trained police will be sent to French beaches as part of the deal.
