Over 1,100 migrants arrived in the UK via the English Channel on Saturday, marking the highest single-day total for 2025. This influx, comprising 19 small boat arrivals, brings the year’s total to 14,812, according to Home Office data.
This represents a 42% increase compared to the same period last year and a 95% rise from 2023. While 2022 saw the highest yearly total at 45,755, the current numbers are causing concern.
Appearing on Sky News, Defence Secretary John Healey stated that Britain has “lost control of its borders over the last five years,” citing the ease with which smugglers operate.
He described the situation as “shocking,” noting the migrants are essentially “picked up like a taxi” by smugglers. He highlighted an existing agreement with French authorities, who rescued 184 migrants on Saturday, to improve collaborative efforts.
Healey emphasized the need for France to actively intercept smugglers and prevent boats from leaving, rather than just reacting upon arrival on shore.
A Home Office spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to ending dangerous crossings, emphasizing the ruthless nature of people-smuggling gangs and outlining a comprehensive plan to dismantle their operations.
The highest daily arrival total since records began in 2018 remains 1,305, recorded on September 3, 2022.
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