The British Home Office released data on the irregular crossing of the English Channel from France to the United Kingdom. In the corresponding period of the previous year, the number of people who crossed was 1,962.
Since the beginning of this year, a total of 14,526 migrants have arrived in the UK via this same route. These figures represent drops of 43% and 14% when compared to the records of the equivalent periods in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
According to the Ministry, crossings across the English Channel in small vessels are influenced by weather conditions, showing peaks mainly during the hotter months of Summer.
A Ministry spokesperson stated that the Government is increasing its efforts to reduce these small vessel crossings. A record number of repatriations of migrants who arrived via this route has been achieved, along with a 12% reduction in asylum applications.
Additionally, about 70,000 individuals who were in an illegal situation in the country were deported or expelled, which constitutes a 41% increase compared to the same period last year.
The spokesperson added that they will continue to work on eradicating the factors that attract irregular migrants, mentioning the 'historic agreement' signed with France by Minister Shabana Mahmood. This agreement aims to 'strengthen surveillance operations on beaches and bring human trafficking networks to justice.'
Andrew Murray Burnham commented this week that the British Government's plan to reduce irregular immigration 'has started to show results,' although he admitted that the efforts need to be intensified.
The Prime Minister stated on Friday that despite it being the period of the year with the highest movement of crossings, the total volume decreased and the number of people repatriated or expelled increased.
Andrew Murray Burnham assumed the post of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 20, succeeding Keir Starmer, who is also a Labour member.
