Illegal British Migrants Cross the English Channel, Up 25% From Last Year

In 2024, the number of illegal migrants entering the UK across the English Channel on small boats rose 25.1% from the previous year.

Britain's Interior Ministry figures showed 36,816 illegal migrants using small boats to cross the English Channel last year, down from the highest 45,774 in 2022 but up 25.1% from 29,437 in 2023.

The cumulative number since 2018 has been around 151,000, with many people trying to cross the English Channel relying on criminal gangs arranging smuggling and attempting dangerous journeys across the sea with small boats full.

The Guardian, a British daily, quoted the French coast guard as saying that 53 people died last year while trying to cross the English Channel, the highest ever.

The British government is preparing border security legislation, including a tougher crackdown on illegal immigration.