Number of Small Boat Migrants to UK Tops 200,000: Official Figures
Latest government statistics reveal that over 200,000 migrants have arrived in the UK via small boats since 2018.
LONDON - More than 200,000 migrants have arrived on UK shores in small boats since records began in 2018, according to latest government statistics.
This revelation comes as anti-immigration party Reform UK gains ground in local elections dominated by national issues, including immigration policies.
Home Office figures published on Saturday showed that 70 people arrived in one boat on Friday.
The total number of arrivals since current data began has now reached 200,013.
The northern French coast remains the primary point of departure for migrants attempting to reach Britain, often risking the journey in overcrowded and flimsy boats.
The Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer is increasingly under pressure over this issue.
His interior minister Shabana Mahmood has proposed measures including reducing protections for refugees and ending automatic benefits for asylum seekers.
In 2025 alone, at least 29 migrants died while attempting the crossing, as per an AFP tally based on official French and British sources.
This year, six additional deaths have been reported.
In a bid to stem undocumented migration, Britain and France agreed upon a new three-year deal last month.
Under this arrangement, France has committed to enhancing law enforcement efforts, while Britain has pledged hundreds of millions of euros in funding for the cause.
Last year saw 41,472 migrants land on England's southern shores after crossing from northern France.
The record of 45,774 arrivals was set in 2022 under the Conservative leadership of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who had campaigned on stopping the influx of migrants.
Starmer has adopted a similar stance, vowing to dismantle people smuggling networks and 'smash the gangs,' though his efforts have yet to yield results comparable to those of his predecessor.
This revelation comes as anti-immigration party Reform UK gains ground in local elections dominated by national issues, including immigration policies.
Home Office figures published on Saturday showed that 70 people arrived in one boat on Friday.
The total number of arrivals since current data began has now reached 200,013.
The northern French coast remains the primary point of departure for migrants attempting to reach Britain, often risking the journey in overcrowded and flimsy boats.
The Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer is increasingly under pressure over this issue.
His interior minister Shabana Mahmood has proposed measures including reducing protections for refugees and ending automatic benefits for asylum seekers.
In 2025 alone, at least 29 migrants died while attempting the crossing, as per an AFP tally based on official French and British sources.
This year, six additional deaths have been reported.
In a bid to stem undocumented migration, Britain and France agreed upon a new three-year deal last month.
Under this arrangement, France has committed to enhancing law enforcement efforts, while Britain has pledged hundreds of millions of euros in funding for the cause.
Last year saw 41,472 migrants land on England's southern shores after crossing from northern France.
The record of 45,774 arrivals was set in 2022 under the Conservative leadership of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who had campaigned on stopping the influx of migrants.
Starmer has adopted a similar stance, vowing to dismantle people smuggling networks and 'smash the gangs,' though his efforts have yet to yield results comparable to those of his predecessor.
