Irregular migrant crossings to UK hit record 25,000 in July, official figures show
It is 1st time figure exceeded 25,000 as early as July
LONDON
More than 25,000 irregular migrants have crossed the English Channel this year, with the benchmark number arriving in the UK in record time, according to official figures released Thursday.
It is the first time the figure has passed 25,000 as early as July.
The numbers represent a significant rise compared with previous years. In the whole of 2020, there were 8,461 crossings, and 1,835 in 2019.
In 2018, only 297 people were recorded making the journey, although figures were only published from Nov. 3 that year.
The latest data shows the 2025 total reached 10,000 by the end of April and 20,000 by the end of June.
In June, the government released figures highlighting an increased number of days with favorable weather conditions for crossings in both 2024 and 2025.
Earlier this month, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to a pilot scheme under which some migrants who crossed the Channel would be detained and returned to France.
In exchange, others would be allowed to come into the UK from France via a legal and controlled route. The scheme aims to deter migrants from making the dangerous journey.
