The number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats from Europe has reached a record high for the first half of the year, according to figures released by the UK government on Tuesday.
A total of 19,982 people have made the perilous journey across the Channel since 1 January, surpassing the previous record of 13,489 set in 2024.
The spike is likely to intensify pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who vowed to reduce irregular migration upon entering office last year.
On Monday alone, 879 arrivals were recorded—the third-highest daily total so far in 2025.
The issue of small boat crossings remains a deeply contentious topic in British politics, with multiple administrations pledging to bring down the numbers, though the trend continues to climb.
Prime Minister Starmer is reportedly in talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to secure a new bilateral agreement.
The proposed deal could see migrants who arrive in the UK via small boats returned to France in return for Britain accepting asylum seekers with family links in the UK.
The agreement may be formally announced during Macron’s scheduled visit to London next week.
Meanwhile, French authorities are said to be exploring legal avenues to stop migrant vessels in shallow coastal waters, though current regulations prohibit them from intercepting boats already en route.
