Yvette Cooper sees drop in Channel crossings as a positive sign

Home Secretary optimistic as arrivals hit four-year low

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, is feeling hopeful as the number of migrants arriving via Channel crossings dropped to the lowest in four years. In September, 4,190 migrants made the journey, down from 4,729 in 2023.

Crackdown on smuggling gangs

The National Crime Agency has intensified its efforts to combat people-smuggling gangs, resulting in a decrease in arrivals. The recent figures mark the lowest since September 2020, when only 1,946 individuals crossed in small boats from France.

International efforts

Yvette Cooper is set to attend a G7 meeting in Rome, focusing on illegal migration as a key agenda item. The Home Office is cautious about the early signs of progress but acknowledges the impact of disrupting the supply chains of smuggling gangs.

New Border Security Commander appointed

Martin Hewitt, the newly appointed Border Security Commander, is scheduled to begin his role next week, further strengthening efforts to tackle illegal migration.