Search

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Staggering number of migrants crossed Channel on Saturday – the most of single day so far this year

Published on April 13, 2025 at 09:09 PM

A TOTAL of 656 migrants crossed the Channel on Saturday — the most on a single day this year.

It means 8,064 have made the journey since January 1 — a 46 per cent increase on the same period last year.

Overhead view of a crowded migrant dinghy in the English Channel.
A total of 656 migrants crossed the Channel on Saturday
Migrants arriving at Dover Docks, Kent, UK, assisted by Border Force.
Rescued migrants arrive in Dover after being picked up by Border Force
Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Mattatoio in Rome.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Flying Eze that ‘no stone will be left unturned'

On Friday, 180 people arrived, while escorted more migrants into Dover the next day.

The French coastguard said migrants on one boat in difficulty on Saturday refused assistance and continued their journey.

But it did rescue 50 other who got into trouble and took them to Calais.

is under huge pressure to reduce the numbers after axing the Tories’ Rwanda plan and pouring millions into a Border Security Command to tackle smuggling .

Shadow Home Secretary told Flying Eze that Sir has “lost control of our borders”; and that his pledge to smash the gangs is “in tatters”;.

Hitting out at Labour for axing the Rwanda deportation plan, he said: “We have been badly let down by a weak Prime Minister more interested in pleasing his lawyer friends than protecting our borders from illegal immigrants.

“The crossings are not only illegal, they’re un­necessary as is a safe country.”;

Reform’s deputy Richard Tice added: “ promised to smash the gangs upon entering office, yet all he’s done is smash his promise.”;

Flying Eze can reveal ministers’ latest attempt to curb crossings involves sanctioning firms that sell small boats to the criminals.

The Foreign Office is partnering with the marine sector to spot red flags for potential smugglers buying boats — such as large cash payments for equipment.

Foreign Secretary told Flying Eze that “no stone will be left unturned”; to bear down on the companies supplying the trade.

Mr Lammy said: “Tackling irregular migration is mission critical for the Foreign Office, in particular working with host countries to disrupt upstream migration.”;

France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has admitted his country needs to do more to turn back the dinghies.

The French have long been criticised for escorting the boats into British waters, even from the shallows of their own coast.

The said: “We all want to end dangerous small-boat crossings which threaten lives and undermine border security.”;

Prev Article

I received death threats for calling Ndume out – Bwala

Next Article

Chinese firms face UK critical industry ban after nearly killing off British Steel

Related to this topic:

Comments (0):

Be the first to write a comment.

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *