More than 25,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year, marking the fastest pace of arrivals since records began in 2018, as Labour ministers blame increasingly sophisticated smuggling networks for their failure to stop the crossings.
Crime and Policing Minister Diana Johnson told BBC Radio 4‘s Today Programme on Thursday that the government needed more time to tackle the crisis, citing the complexity of criminal gangs operating across the Channel. Nearly 900 refugees and migrants made the crossing in 13 small boats on Wednesday alone, bringing the total to 25,346 people since January.
“We need time, the smuggling gangs have had six years to develop their business model,” Johnson said. “You smash one gang and two more appear.”
Record-Breaking Pace of Arrivals
The current rate of arrivals equates to roughly one person reaching British shores every 12 minutes, representing a significant escalation in the small boats crisis that has plagued successive governments. The 2025 figures already exceed most previous years at this point in the calendar, with experts predicting this could become the highest year on record.
Home Office data shows the number of crossings in the first half of 2025 increased by 48 per cent compared to the same period in 2024, exceeding 20,000 by June. The surge comes despite Labour’s promises to “smash the gangs” following their election victory just over a year ago.
The dangerous journey across one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes has resulted in dozens of deaths over the years. In 2024 alone, 73 people died attempting the crossing, more than in all previous years combined since records began.
Limited Returns Under New Pilot Scheme
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s much-anticipated “one-in-one-out” pilot scheme with France is expected to begin in the coming weeks, but will initially return just 50 migrants per week to French shores. Under the agreement announced in July, Britain will send back selected small boat arrivals to France whilst accepting an equal number of asylum seekers with legitimate UK family connections.
The scheme represents just six per cent of current weekly arrivals, with approximately 700 migrants entering the UK by small boat each week. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the arrangement, stating it would mean “94 per cent of illegal migrants crossing the Channel will get to stay.
This deal will mean that 94 per cent of illegal migrants crossing the Channel will get to stay. That is pathetic and will not deter anyone,” Philp told The Times. By contrast, the Rwanda deterrent would have seen 100 per cent of illegal migrants removed.
Sophisticated Criminal Networks
Minister Johnson’s comments about the sophistication of smuggling gangs reflect the evolving nature of the crisis. Criminal networks have adapted their methods over six years, using larger boats and more complex logistics to evade authorities on both sides of the Channel.
The average number of people per boat has increased from 13 in 2020 to 53 in 2024, with reports suggesting many vessels are dangerously overcrowded beyond their capacity. This escalation in numbers per crossing has contributed to the rising death toll.
French authorities maintain over 1,200 gendarmes permanently stationed along the northern coast to prevent crossings, but smugglers continue to find ways to launch boats from beaches between Calais and Dunkirk.
Political Pressure Mounts
The record crossings have intensified political pressure on Starmer’s government, which took office promising a new approach after criticising the Conservatives’ failed Rwanda deportation scheme. Labour immediately scrapped the previous government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing, instead pledging to tackle the crisis through enhanced law enforcement cooperation.
We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security,” a Home Office spokesperson said. Through international intelligence sharing under our Border Security Command, enhanced enforcement operations in Northern France and tougher legislation, we are strengthening our ability to dismantle criminal gangs.
The government has introduced the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025, currently making its way through Parliament, whilst announcing the world’s first sanctions regime specifically targeting people-smuggling gangs.
Cost to Taxpayers Soars
The financial burden of the small boats crisis continues to mount, with housing asylum seekers in hotels costing taxpayers over £8 million daily, according to recent House of Lords statements. This equates to nearly £3 billion annually, a figure that has risen from £5.6 million per day in 2022.
Policy Exchange estimated the total annual cost of the small boats crisis at approximately £3.5 billion, encompassing accommodation, processing, and enforcement expenses. These costs come as the UK processes a rising number of asylum applications, which exceeded 108,000 in 2024.
International Cooperation Challenges
The UK-France agreement faces scepticism from other European nations, with Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta and Cyprus expressing “serious concerns” about the pilot scheme. These Mediterranean countries fear it could result in more migrants being redirected to their shores under existing EU rules.
French President Emmanuel Macron has defended the arrangement, calling it a “major deterrent” whilst emphasising that both nations share “the same resolve to fight against illegal criminal gangs.” However, the scheme’s limited scope has drawn criticism from migration experts who question its effectiveness.
Broader Context of Migration Flows
Data from the Migration Observatory shows that between 2018 and 2024, 68 per cent of small boat asylum applications processed in the UK were approved, indicating most arrivals have genuine protection needs. The main nationalities crossing include Afghans, Iranians, Syrians and Vietnamese.
Despite the high-profile nature of small boat crossings, the UK receives fewer asylum applications per capita than the EU average, with 16 applications per 10,000 people compared to the EU’s 22 per 10,000.
As autumn approaches, traditionally the busiest season for Channel crossings, the government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate progress on its promise to tackle the crisis. With smuggling gangs continuing to adapt and evolve, Johnson’s plea for more time may test public patience as the numbers continue to rise.
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This is a licensed photograph used in cropped form:
- Diana Johnson in 2024 (cropped) – Description: Policing Minister Diana Johnson meets with police officers while visiting Humberside Police Station, North Ferriby, United Kingdom on 9 August 2024; photo by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street, taken at 14:17 BST on 9 August 2024, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0), with Crown copyright, re‑usable under the Open Government Licence v3.0
