The number of small boat arrivals in the UK since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister has surpassed 20,000, according to the Home Office.
The surge is attributed to an unprecedented number of calm autumn days in the English Channel, creating favorable conditions for crossings.
Leaked data revealed that October and November experienced the highest ratio of “red days”—when crossings are deemed likely—since records began in 2018.
In the 31-day period between mid-October and mid-November, 6,288 individuals crossed the Channel compared to just 768 during the same timeframe last year.
This spike has sparked renewed debate over immigration policies, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper preparing to address the issue in the House of Commons.
The surge coincides with a period of significant migration policy activity. Cooper recently signed an agreement with the Iraqi government to combat people-smuggling networks and facilitate the return of rejected asylum claimants.
Labour Plans Comprehensive Migration Strategy Next WeekHer upcoming statement is expected to highlight differences between the Labour government’s approach and the previous Conservative administration, which she will accuse of mismanaging immigration and asylum systems.
This year is on track to be one of the busiest for small boat arrivals, with 13,574 individuals making the journey in the first half of the year alone—an increase of nearly 19% compared to the same period in 2023.
While Labour acknowledges the need for migration to support the UK workforce, party officials stress the importance of balancing this with domestic workforce training.
Labour has refrained from setting net migration targets but plans to reveal a comprehensive migration strategy next week.
Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch admitted to past failings in her party’s immigration policies, promising a review to address the ongoing challenges.
Recent statistics show net migration reaching 906,000 in 2023, fueling calls for more effective management of both legal and illegal migration.
As political leaders grapple with these issues, the debate underscores the complexities of creating a balanced and sustainable immigration framework.