Record Surge: Over 10,000 Migrants Reach UK by Sea in 2024 as Channel Crossings Escalate

Over 10,000 migrants have reached the UK this year by traversing the Channel in small vessels.

The peak day for these crossings occurred on May 1, with 711 individuals arriving amid the onset of generally smoother sea conditions.

Authored by Nick Stylianou, producer for communities

Saturday, May 25, 2024, 1:

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In 2024, over 10,000 migrants have successfully made their way to the UK, navigating the Channel in diminutive vessels.

This year has set a new record for the number of arrivals by this time, exceeding the 9,326 individuals who had made the crossing by the same date in 2022. By May 24 of the previous year, 7,326 migrants had reached via small boats.

This year's milestone was achieved on Saturday when the total surpassed ten thousand, following the arrival of 288 individuals in five small boats on Friday.

According to calculations by Sky News, as of Friday, 10,170 individuals have made the journey across the Channel in 209 small boats this year.

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The highest number of arrivals in a single day occurred on May 1st, with 711 individuals reaching the destination, aligning with the onset of generally smoother sea conditions.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has heavily invested in the policy of "stop the boats," yet recent developments indicate that the strategy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda is proving ineffective as a deterrent. This week, Sunak declared that, should the Conservatives secure victory in the upcoming general election, no deportation flights to Rwanda will occur until after the election. Conversely, the Labour Party has pledged to completely abolish the program.

A spokesperson from the Home Office informed Sky News, "We are actively collaborating with our French counterparts to stop crossings and preserve lives."

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