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Record crossings amid calm weather
More than 800 migrants arrived in the UK via small boats on Saturday, marking the highest number recorded on a single December day in recent years, according to Home Office figures.
Surge driven by weather delays
The spike follows a 28-day period of rough seas that prevented crossings, creating a backlog of migrants in northern France. With calm conditions returning, smugglers quickly launched overcrowded dinghies, authorities said.
The 803 arrivals, intercepted by Border Force and RNLI vessels and brought ashore at Dover, push this year's total to 41,455-exceeding the 36,816 recorded for all of 2024. However, the figure remains below the 2022 peak of 45,755.
Government response and French rescues
A Home Office spokesperson called the crossings "shameful" and said the British public "deserve better." The government highlighted efforts to curb illegal migration, including the removal of nearly 50,000 people and a bilateral deal with France to return those arriving via small boats.
Meanwhile, French authorities rescued 151 migrants from distressed boats over the weekend, returning them to France. Charities in Calais reported unusually large numbers in makeshift camps, citing pent-up demand after weeks of stormy weather.
Broader crackdown on smuggling
The English Channel, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, remains a perilous route for migrants fleeing poverty and conflict. Many claim asylum upon arrival in the UK.
To address root causes, the UK is collaborating with European partners. This week, Germany enacted a law imposing up to 10-year prison sentences for people smugglers, part of a joint initiative with the UK to disrupt smuggling networks and remove their social media advertisements.
"This major change in German law is the result of our close partnership working to tackle illegal migration and organised immigration crime,"
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper
Ongoing challenges
Despite efforts to deter crossings, the surge underscores the persistent pressures driving migration. Officials continue to explore "upstream" solutions, including cooperation with neighboring countries to address instability and poverty in migrants' countries of origin.
