More than 800 people crossed the Channel in small boats on Saturday, setting a new record for a single day in December, the Home Office has confirmed.
December is normally one of the quietest months for such crossings, owing to cold temperatures, stormy weather, poor visibility and shorter daylight hours. Despite these conditions, 2,163 people have arrived so far this month.
Saturday's arrivals bring the total number of crossings for 2024 to 41,455, still below the annual record of 45,755 set in 2022.
The Home Office reported that 803 individuals crossed in 13 dinghies from northern France between Friday night and Saturday, the highest daily figure since 8 October, when 1,075 crossed.
A Border Force vessel was observed bringing people into Dover, Kent, while French maritime authorities said they rescued 151 people over the weekend and returned them to French shores.
The UK government stated it continues efforts to tackle the upstream causes of migration, including working with neighbouring countries. 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.” Meanwhile, Germany recently passed a law making people smuggling punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
