English Channel small boat migrants hit 25,000 in July for first time

English Channel small boat migrants hit 25,000 in July for first time

A record-breaking number of migrants have already made the perilous journey across the English Channel in 2025, with more than 25,000 individuals making the crossing by July, according to official statistics. This marks the earliest in the year that this milestone has been reached, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in managing irregular migration flows.

On Wednesday alone, 898 migrants were brought ashore in Dover, contributing to the total of 25,436 arrivals in the UK so far this year. The rapid increase in arrivals has prompted concerns about border security and the effectiveness of current measures in addressing the issue.

Efforts to combat people smuggling gangs have been intensified, with the government emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation with France. The National Crime Agency recently announced a successful operation in collaboration with Bulgarian authorities, resulting in the seizure of 25 small boats intended for use in Channel crossings.

The escalating numbers reflect a significant rise in migrant crossings compared to previous years, with 8,461 recorded in 2020, 1,835 in 2019, and only 297 in 2018. The government’s response to the situation includes intelligence sharing, enforcement operations, and legislative measures aimed at dismantling criminal networks and enhancing border security

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