Overview

• More than 14,800 migrants have crossed the Channel in over 260 boats so far this year, the highest mid-year total since 2018.
• Home Office data show 73% of small boat arrivals since 2018 were adult men, refuting the minister’s initial claim that most were women and children.
• Chief Secretary Darren Jones said he was referring to one dinghy carrying injured women and children and retained full confidence from the Prime Minister.
• The Government has launched a Border Security Command, plans counter-smuggling powers and aims to end hotel accommodation for asylum seekers by 2029.
• Critics argue the ‘smash the gangs’ approach will fail without stronger deterrents and faster asylum processing to curb crossings.