More than 41,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats since the beginning of the year, DPA and PA media reported, citing the latest figures from these statistics, BTA reported.
Yesterday alone, 803 people set off on the dangerous route from northern France to Britain in 13 inflatable boats, according to data published on the British government website.
The total number of people who crossed the English Channel in 2025 now stands at 41,455.
Yesterday saw the highest number of migrants crossing the English Channel since October 8, when 1,075 people undertook the risky journey. This is also a record for the number of crossings in a single day for the month of December since 2018.
However, this December is not the month with the most migrants recorded compared to previous years. December is usually one of the calmest months due to low temperatures, poor visibility, shorter days and stormy weather. The highest number of arrivals in December was recorded in 2024 - 3,254 people. So far in December this year, 2,163 people have arrived.
Yesterday morning, a British Border Force ship brought people believed to be migrants to Dover after an incident in the English Channel.
Meanwhile, the British government is continuing its efforts to tackle the so-called root causes of the migration crisis, including through cooperation with neighboring countries.
This week, Germany passed a new law that provides for up to 10 years in prison for smugglers trying to bring migrants to the UK. The law will come into force before the end of the year and aims to give more powers to police and prosecutors, as well as to strengthen the exchange of information between the UK and Germany.
For its part, France recently indicated that it plans to stop small boats at sea before they pick up people heading to the UK.