More than 50,000 people have crossed Channel in small boats since Labour took power

Number of people who arrived in UK via small boats in first half of 2025 up 48% on same period last year

More than 50,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats since Keir Starmer became prime minister, official figures have confirmed.

Home Office figures released on Tuesday showed that 50,271 people, most of whom successfully claim asylum, have arrived in the UK from France since Labour won the general election in July 2024. A total of 474 people arrived on Monday.

The unwanted milestone comes as the issue of irregular migration, and where to house asylum seekers while their claims are being processed, continues to haunt the government.

Starmer came into power 13 months ago careful to avoid repeating the last government’s promise to “Stop the Boats”. However, the prime minister has promised to “smash the gangs” behind Channel crossings.