More than 700 migrants crossed the English Channel on Saturday, bringing an end to a four-week pause in small boat arrivals, according to the latest figures from the Home Office.
A total of 737 people arrived in Dover on 11 boats on 14 December, marking the conclusion of the longest period without any Channel crossings in seven years. The previous arrivals were recorded on 14 November.
The latest figures push the number of migrants who have crossed the Channel so far this year to 40,029, exceeding the 36,816 recorded throughout the whole of 2024.
December is usually a quieter period for crossings due to poor weather conditions, which are believed to have contributed to the recent lull.
The increase comes despite intensified government efforts to curb small boat crossings, although officials have acknowledged that the measures are unlikely to deliver immediate results.
Last week, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy met with counterparts from several European countries to discuss potential reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights aimed at making it easier to deport illegal migrants.
In November, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced proposed asylum reforms, including making refugee status temporary and subject to review every 30 months.
Under the plans, refugees could also be returned to their home countries if they are later deemed safe.
Meanwhile, UK’s “one in, one out” agreement with France, which began in August, has so far resulted in 153 people being returned as of 27 November 2025.
A Home Office spokesperson said previously that the number of small boat crossings was shameful and said the public deserved better.
“This government is taking action,” the spokesperson said. “We have removed almost 50,000 people who were here illegally, and our historic deal with the French means those arriving on small boats are now being sent back.”
