Migrant Channel crossings in January increased by 13 percent compared to the same period last year, as reported in new figures. A total of 1,335 individuals completed the perilous journey
across the Channel to reach the UK last month, compared to 1,180 recorded in January 2023, according to preliminary Home Office data.
The January 2024 total is just four individuals less than the 1,339 arrivals reported at the start of 2022, marking the highest January figure since records began in 2018.
These figures follow a recent incident where migrants were rescued from the sea by coastguard and lifeboat crews during their attempt to cross the Channel. On Wednesday, 278 people arrived in the UK in six boats, according to government data.
When questioned about Chancellor Rishi Sunak's commitment to "stop the boats," Downing Street stated that there were variations in the number of crossings, and it was too early to determine this year's trend. Officials emphasized ongoing collaboration with French counterparts and EU-level efforts to address the situation.
Home Secretary James Cleverly recently met with French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin in Paris. They agreed to increase the use of drones in sky patrols to monitor migrants attempting the journey, aiming to reduce Channel crossings.
Despite the provisional annual total for 2023 being 36 percent lower than 2022, Home Office statistics indicated it was the second-highest annual total on record. The government attributes the decrease to cooperation with Europe, disrupting the supply chain of engines and boats, and efforts against people smugglers.
However, the Immigration Services Union, representing border staff, expressed concerns that the drop in arrivals might be a temporary glitch, with expectations of higher numbers of Channel crossings this year. The Home Office emphasized its commitment to stopping boats through robust actions against smuggling gangs and collaborative efforts with French counterparts. Photo by Mstyslav Chernov/Unframe, Wikimedia commons.