Channel migrant crossings fall to lowest summer level since 2019

Small-boat crossings from France to the United Kingdom fell to their lowest summer level in seven years, but the figures also showed how crowded some Channel journeys have become.

The British Home Office said the total number of migrants crossing in June, July and August was the lowest since 2019. Those summer months typically see more crossings because weather conditions are generally milder. The government presented the decline as evidence of progress under its cooperation agreement with France.

According to figures cited by the British news agency PA, 102 small boats crossed the Channel during the period, compared with 57 boats in 2019. An AFP tally based on official figures put the number of migrants who made the crossing at 7,371.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government would maintain pressure on the networks organizing the journeys. “We will show unwavering determination to target the criminal networks behind these crossings and will continue removing the incentives that push people to take these dangerous and illegal routes,” she said.

Britain signed a new three-year agreement with France in April and committed up to 766 million euros to strengthen French law-enforcement resources. Yet the reduction in small-boat crossings has come alongside record loads on individual boats. Earlier in August, 230 migrants crossed aboard a single large inflatable boat, exceeding the previous record of 165 set in July. French President Emmanuel Macron is due to visit the UK this week, when the crossings are expected to be discussed with Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

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We will show unwavering determination to target the criminal networks behind these crossings and will continue removing the incentives that push people to take these dangerous and illegal routes.