More than 800 individuals made the perilous journey across the English Channel in small boats on Saturday, marking the highest single-day total ever recorded for the month of December.
A December Record Shattered
According to official Home Office data, 803 people were detected crossing from northern France in 13 dinghies from overnight Friday into Saturday. This figure represents the largest number of arrivals since 8 October, when 1,075 people made the crossing.
The arrivals on Saturday have pushed the provisional total for 2024 to 41,455 people. The annual record remains 45,755, set in 2022. December is typically one of the quietest months for such crossings due to a combination of stormy weather, low temperatures, poor visibility, and reduced daylight hours, making the voyage exceptionally dangerous.
Rescues and Government Response
On Saturday morning, a Border Force vessel was seen bringing people ashore in Dover, Kent. The French maritime authorities reported that over the weekend, they had rescued 151 people and returned them to French shores.
A Home Office spokesperson stated: "The number of small boat crossings is shameful and the British people deserve better. This government is taking action. We have removed almost 50,000 people who were here illegally, and our historic deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back." The UK government says it continues to work on tackling the "upstream" causes of the migration crisis with neighbouring nations.
International Action on Smuggling
The record crossings come amid heightened international efforts to combat people smuggling. Following pressure from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France recently indicated plans to intercept small boats at sea before they can pick up migrants destined for the UK.
Furthermore, Germany passed a new law this week that could see people smugglers face up to 10 years in prison for attempting to bring individuals into the UK. This legislation, expected to come into force before year's end, aims to enhance powers for law enforcement and improve information sharing between the UK and Germany.
With 2,163 people having arrived so far this December, and a monthly record of 3,254 set earlier in 2024, the issue of Channel crossings remains a significant and ongoing challenge for authorities.
