A total of 710 immigrants crossed the Channel with small boats yesterday in order to reach the UK, a record in just a 24-hour period from the early 2026, according to Britain's interior ministry data, which were published today.
No arrival was recorded between June 1 and 14.
Since early 2026, 9,852 people illegally arrived on the English coast, a 40% drop compared to the same period last year.
More than 700 people have crossed the Channel in 11 small boats in one day.
More here: https://t.co/Hg3ujXtzpd pic.twitter. Com/IHlPVOcjB8— BBC Kent (@BBCRadioKent) June 16, 2026
In 2025, 41,472 people arrived in the United Kingdom with small boats. This number is the second largest since 2018, one year from which these routes have multiplied.
Britain's Prime Minister Kir Starmer promised once he took office in July 2024 that he would "recover control" of the border.
The head of the British government is faced with the pressure of Nigel Farage's anti-immigration Reform UK party, which leads to the intention of voting, according to polls. At the same time, it is contested within the Labour Party and its future on Downing Street is found uncertain.
London and Paris signed in April a new three-year agreement aimed at restricting the illegal crossings of the Channel.
London's financial contribution is increasing significantly - EUR 766 million compared to 540 million over the period 2023-2026 - but for the first time, part of it (EUR 186 million) is now flexible to adapt more effectively to needs.