The number of migrants crossing the English Channel in the first five months of 2024 has reached a record high. According to provisional Home Office data, a total of 9,681 arrivals have been detected since January 1. This figure surpasses the total for the same period in any year since recording began in 2018. The previous high for the January to May period was set in 2022 at 9,607. However, this year’s arrivals are already 15% higher than that figure, and 41% higher than at the same point last year.
On Thursday, a further 117 arrivals were recorded in the Channel. A Home Office spokesperson stated that the migrant numbers highlight the need to begin flights to Rwanda to deter illegal travels, calling the figure an “unacceptable number of people”. The UK government has said they will work collaboratively with French police to halt unnecessary and dangerous journeys.
The Home Office also highlighted that they remain committed to maintaining stronger legislation and agreements with international partners to prevent further arrivals. Across the whole of 2023, there were 29,437 arrivals in the UK. This was 36% down from the record high of 45,774 arrivals in 2022.
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