More than 700 migrants crossed the English Channel on Saturday, ending a four-week pause in small boat arrivals, according to the latest Home Office figures.
A total of 737 people reached Dover on 11 boats on 11 December, marking the longest period without crossings in seven years before arrivals resumed. The previous recorded arrivals were on 14 November, making it the longest uninterrupted gap since 2018.
The latest crossings bring the total number of people arriving in the UK via small boats so far this year to 40,029, exceeding the 36,816 recorded across the whole of 2024.
December is typically a quieter month for Channel crossings because of harsher weather conditions, which are believed to have contributed to the recent lull. However, the resumption of arrivals highlights the ongoing challenges facing border authorities.
In recent months, the UK government has stepped up efforts to curb small boat crossings, although officials have acknowledged that the impact of these measures is unlikely to be immediate.
Last week, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy held talks with European counterparts about reforming the European Convention on Human Rights, with the aim of making it easier to deport people who enter the UK illegally.
In November, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced proposed changes to the asylum system, including plans to make refugee status temporary and subject to review every 30 months. Under the proposals, refugees could also be returned to their home countries if they are later deemed safe.
The UK’s “one in, one out” agreement with France, which began in August, has seen 153 people returned as of 27 November 2025.
A Home Office spokesperson said previously that the “number of small boat crossings are shameful and the British people deserve better”.
“This government is taking action,” they added. “We have removed almost 50,000 people who were here illegally and our historic deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back.”
