Channel Migrant Crossings in 2024 Surpass 2023 Total

The number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats has reached 29,578, exceeding last year's total amid ongoing safety concerns.

As of Friday, 29,578 migrants have crossed the Channel in 2024, surpassing the 29,437 total for all of 2023.
The crossings have been marked by tragic incidents, including the recent deaths of three people and a baby, highlighting the journey's dangers.
The French coastguard has reported 48 migrant deaths this year, emphasizing the perilous conditions of the Dover Strait, a busy and treacherous shipping lane.
Efforts to curb crossings include Labour's policy to dismantle smuggling networks, though critics argue these measures have yet to impact numbers.
The UK government has established a new Border Security Command to combat organized immigration crime and improve safety.