More than 41,000 people crossed the English Channel in small boats last year, the Home Office has confirmed, branding the figure 'shameful'. The provisional total of 41,472 arrivals in 2025 is the second highest on record, behind only the 45,774 who made the journey in 2022.
The number of crossings was 13% higher than in 2024, although the pace slowed in the final two months of the year. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had pledged during the 2024 election campaign to 'smash the gangs' facilitating the crossings, and last year negotiated a returns deal with France designed to act as a deterrent.
A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The number of small boat crossings is shameful and the British people deserve better. This government is taking action. We have removed almost 50,000 people who were here illegally, and our historic deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back.'
However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the government's efforts as 'a complete disaster' and a 'farce', while claiming that 'many of the young men that have arrived last year will do us great harm'. The Conservatives argued that pulling out of the European Convention on Human Rights was the only way to reduce crossings, with shadow home secretary Chris Philp saying: 'Labour have confined themselves to cosmetic tweaks, hence only 5% of arrivals have been removed.'
The government is relying on new powers under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, which became law in December, to tackle people-smuggling gangs. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also announced plans in November to make refugee status temporary and extend the wait for permanent settlement to 20 years. Enver Solomon of the Refugee Council criticised the plans, saying they 'will punish people found to be refugees' and are 'not an effective deterrent'.
