Around 400 Small Boat Migrants Crossed English Channel on Christmas Day

First Arrivals in Over a Week

Around 400 small boat migrants are believed to have crossed the Channel to Britain on Christmas Day. Several boats were seen making the journey from France yesterday as migrants were pictured at Dover docks. This marks the first arrivals since December 14 when 160 landed in three boats.

Rising Numbers and Political Responses

Dinghy crossings for 2024 hit 35,040, a 20% rise from last year but lower than the 2022 record of 45,774. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed concern, stating it would be "no comfort" to the public if numbers remain high. Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to "smash the gangs" responsible for carrying migrants across the channel, a plan criticized by the Tories.

Illegal Migrant Population in the UK

In October, it was revealed that more illegal migrants were in Britain than any other European nation. Researchers estimate as many as 745,000 illegal migrants are still in the UK, surpassing the populations of cities like Leeds. The UK's illegal migrant population exceeds that of France and is on par with Germany.