Nearly 1,200 migrants crossed the English Channel on a small boat from France on Saturday, according to British government figures.
The Ministry of Interior reported that 1,194 people arrived on 18 ships during favorable weather conditions, bringing the provisional arrivals to 14,811, an increase of 42% compared to the same period last year.
The rise has heightened political pressure on the Kiel star labor prime minister, who took office almost a year ago amid growing public dissatisfaction with the previous conservative government.
Despite committing to do so, the last government failed to reduce the number of channel crossings.
Since assuming power, Labour has pledged to tackle the issue of small boats by abolishing the controversial conservative Rwanda deportation system and instead dismantling those smuggling networks that promote illegal migration.
Starmer’s Government prioritizes international intelligence cooperation and strictens immigration rules.
Despite joint efforts by both the British and French governments, the British channel remains a prominent route for those fleeing war and poverty.
Many immigrants choose the UK for their linguistic connections, existing family connections, or recognition of employment access with ease with asylum procedures.
Footage taken on Saturday showed migrants watching French police before escorting them to the sea after they set up a boat from the gravel between Curry and Dunkirk.
French authorities confirmed they had rescued 184 individuals.
Defense Secretary John Healy told British media that the scene was “pretty shocking” and told the French officers could not intervene in the shallow waters as “a really big issue.”
“They aren’t doing that, but for the first time in years… we have the level of cooperation we need,” he added.
According to the British Home Office, 36,816 people crossed the channel on a small boat in 2024, showing a 25% increase the previous year. The peak year remains in 2022, with 45,774 people arriving via the route.
