The number of people reaching the UK after crossing the dangerous English Channel in small boats passed the 25,000 mark late last month – the earliest point in a calendar year since data on Channel crossings got first reported in 2018.
The latest Home Office figures represent an increase of 51% compared to this point last year and 73% higher than that of 2023, according to a report in the Guardian. This is a concerning update, gaining the attention of millions of people across the globe.
The first year that noted at least 25,000 channel crossings was in 2022. The total hit a record 45,774 by the end of December of that year. The latest numbers come as ministers seek to significantly smash the people-smuggling gangs.
Is UK failing to address irregular immigration?
The 25,000 mark has already been passed. Nonetheless, ministers in the UK have announced a series of measures to reduce the number of channel crossings. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party has made gains in the polls after attacks on the ruling Labour party.
The Labour is being criticised for failing to address irregular immigration by notable percentages. Earlier last month, Keir Starmer announced a “One In, One Out” deal the UK and France have reached.
Under the agreement, the UK is going to send migrants back to France in exchange for asylum seekers having connections to Britain. But has this pilot deal started yet? It is time for Europe to better manage illegal migration, both protecting human rights at the same time.
