The number of people crossing the English Channel in small boats has passed 25,000 for 2025, well before the end of July. According to the UK Home Office, 898 migrants arrived on Wednesday alone, coming in 13 different boats. This brings the total to 25,436 people so far this year, showing a faster increase than in any previous year on record.
This milestone came a full month earlier than in 2022, which held the previous record. At the time, the 25,000 mark was not reached until August 27. The sharp rise has raised new concerns over how to manage the ongoing migrant crisis and stop the dangerous journeys organized by smuggling gangs.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the situation a “national emergency” and accused the Labour-led government of failing to take strong action. However, ministers say they are actively working to disrupt smuggling operations. A Home Office spokesperson explained that the government is increasing cooperation with French authorities and improving intelligence-sharing to stop these illegal journeys.
Why are small boat crossings still rising despite UK efforts?
Officials say the criminals behind these operations keep changing their methods, making it harder to stop them. Campaigners also argue that the best way to reduce crossings is by creating safer and legal routes to the UK. They believe this will remove the need for migrants to rely on smugglers.
On Thursday, the National Crime Agency reported that it had seized 25 boats in Bulgaria before they could be used in Channel crossings. Still, the challenge continues, as this year has seen more people traveling per boat than ever before. The average number of passengers in 2025 has reached 59 per boat—up from 49 in 2023.
The rise in crossings has been steady. By the end of April, the total had hit 10,000. By June, it had doubled to 20,000. Compared to previous years, the increase is alarming. In 2020, there were only 8,461 crossings, and in 2019 just 1,835. The problem is growing year by year, with no clear end in sight.
In response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron recently agreed to a new pilot return deal. The plan will see some migrants who cross the Channel sent back to France, while others will be accepted legally through a controlled system. The goal is to reduce risky sea journeys and discourage illegal crossings.
Some experts have questioned the effectiveness of this deal. Chris Philp said the plan “won’t even make a dent” in solving the issue. But French authorities have started changing their tactics, including stopping overcrowded boats at the shore. In July, police punctured a boat that was dangerously full to prevent it from leaving.
As the summer continues, more crossings are likely. The UK government insists it is doing everything possible to end the dangerous journeys, but with the numbers still rising, many believe a long-term solution is still out of reach.