Small boat Channel arrivals pass 25,000 – the earliest in year figure has been reached so far

More than 25,000 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel so far this year – the earliest the figure has been reached.

Almost 900 migrants (898) were detected crossing the Channel on Wednesday, in 13 boats – bringing the total number of arrivals recorded since 1 January to 25,436.

Last year, the number of arrivals didn’t pass 25,000 until 22 September. At this point last year, 16,842 people had crossed, and this is the earliest the 25,000 figure has been passed since records began in 2018.

The record will signal further struggles for the government as it looks to reduce the number of people entering the UK clandestinely.

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to “smash the gangs”, after Rishi Sunak’s promise to “stop the boats” failed.

Responding to the latest figures, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said on social media: “898 illegals crossed the English Channel yesterday.

“This means more hotels, more costs and more people who should not be here.

“The public have had ENOUGH!”

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