UK sees surge in migrants crossing English Channel

(MENAFN) A record number of migrants arrived in the UK via the English Channel on Saturday, with Home Office data showing that 803 people reached British shores in 13 small boats, marking the highest single-day total for December, according to reports.

The arrivals raise the total number of migrants reaching the UK this year to 41,455, surpassing the 36,816 recorded in all of 2024. Data also indicate that approximately 2,100 people have crossed in the past month alone.

"The number of small boat crossings are shameful and the British people deserve better," a Home Office spokesperson said.

The surge comes as the UK government continues efforts to control irregular migration.

Authorities recently reported that nearly 50,000 people who entered the UK illegally have been returned under an agreement with France.

A new UK-France treaty has granted British authorities expanded powers to detain and promptly remove individuals arriving via small boats, effectively limiting their access to the UK asylum system.

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