A record 28,076 migrants have crossed the English Channel to Britain in small boats this year, marking a 46% increase compared with the same period in 2024, according to government figures released on Monday. The surge is intensifying political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer as immigration continues to dominate public debate.
The milestone was reached on Sunday when 212 migrants arrived on British shores in four boats. The sharp rise comes amid growing public concern, with immigration now polling as the country’s top issue. Protests have erupted outside hotels used to house asylum seekers, reflecting deepening divisions over migration policy.
Over the weekend, demonstrations were reported across Britain after a court ruling ordered the removal of asylum seekers from a hotel in Epping, northeast of London. The decision has become the latest flashpoint in the heated national debate over asylum and migration.
Labour Government Under Fire
Starmer’s Labour government has pledged to phase out the use of hotels for asylum seekers by 2029 and overhaul the asylum system. On Sunday, ministers announced reforms to accelerate asylum appeals and tackle a backlog of more than 100,000 cases.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the current asylum framework as “in complete chaos” and said the government was determined to restore “control and order.”
Despite these promises, official data last week revealed that asylum claims remain at record levels, with more migrants housed in hotels now than a year ago.
Political Challenge from the Right
Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, has seized on the surge to push his hardline agenda. He outlined proposals for “mass deportations” of small boat migrants, including withdrawing Britain from the European Convention on Human Rights, banning asylum claims, and constructing detention centers capable of holding 24,000 people.
Farage told The Times he would pursue repatriation agreements with countries such as Afghanistan and Eritrea, backed by daily deportation flights. His party has recently topped voting intention polls, intensifying pressure on Starmer to deliver results.
With immigration dominating headlines and protests flaring nationwide, the record Channel crossings are likely to remain one of the most divisive issues shaping British politics in 2025.
