Nearly 20,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel since the beginning of the year - a record for the first half of the year, according to British government data published today, cited by Agence France-Presse, BTA reports.
Yesterday alone, 879 migrants arrived in the United Kingdom via this route. With them, the total number of those who entered illegally by sea for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2025 reaches 19,982 people. This represents an increase of 48% compared to the same period last year (13,489 people) and a full 75% compared to the first half of 2023 (11,433 people). The figures mark the highest level of migrant flows across the English Channel since official statistics began in 2018.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under increasing public and political pressure to curb the flow of migrants arriving in inflatable boats, especially after his promise to "crush the gangs" behind people smuggling.
According to government figures, more than 24,000 people without the right to reside in the UK have been returned to their countries of origin since July 2024 - the month Starmer officially took office as Prime Minister.