More than 800 people crossed the English Channel in small boats on Saturday, setting a new record for a single day in December, according to the Home Office. Some 803 individuals made the journey across 13 dinghies from northern France, the highest daily figure since 8 October.
December is typically one of the quietest months for such crossings due to cold temperatures, stormy weather, poor visibility and shorter daylight hours. The 803 arrivals bring the total for the month so far to 2,163, with the previous record for December set in 2024 at 3,254.
The latest arrivals push the annual total for 2024 to 41,455, still below the record of 45,755 set in 2022. A Border Force vessel was seen bringing migrants into Dover, Kent, on Saturday morning.
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.”
France has indicated it plans to halt boats at sea before picking up migrants heading for the UK, following pressure from Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, Germany passed a law this week that could see people smugglers face up to 10 years in prison for attempting to bring individuals to the UK.
