A total of 803 migrants crossed the English Channel on Saturday in 13 small boats, marking the highest daily figure in nearly two months, according to official data.
The latest arrivals push the total number of people who have made the journey in 2025 to 41,455.
Saturday’s crossings were the largest since October 8, when 1,075 people arrived in one day. The figure also appears to be the highest daily total ever recorded in December, based on data dating back to 2018.
December is typically one of the quietest months for Channel crossings due to colder temperatures, poor visibility, shorter daylight hours and rough seas. Despite this, 2,163 people have already crossed so far this month. The highest December total on record remains 3,254, set in 2024.
Border Force vessels were seen bringing migrants into Dover on Saturday morning following a busy night in which multiple boats departed from the French coast.
The government says it is continuing efforts to tackle migration “upstream,” including cooperation with European partners. Germany has passed new legislation that could see people smugglers jailed for up to 10 years, while France has signaled plans to intercept small boats at sea before they collect migrants.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper recently signed an agreement in Greece that includes £1.5 million in additional funding for North African initiatives aimed at disrupting smuggling networks.
Critics argue the measures are failing. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the Channel has become “a system where entry is guaranteed and removal is optional,” while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has acknowledged ongoing difficulties in dismantling smuggling gangs.
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