The number of people crossing the English Channel to reach the UK has reached a new record for the first four months of the year. According to provisional figures from the Home Office, 656 people arrived in 11 small boats on Saturday alone, bringing the total for 2025 so far to 8,064 — surpassing the previous record of 7,567 set during the same period last year.

A Home Office spokesperson said the government has a “credible and determined plan” to tackle illegal crossings and disrupt people-smuggling operations. They added that new enforcement powers and increased returns are part of a wider crackdown, which also targets illegal employment used by gangs to lure people into dangerous journeys.

Saturday’s total marked the highest single-day number this year. Although not the largest daily figure ever — that remains 1,305 on 3 September 2022 — it underlines a rising trend. The French Coastguard reported several rescue operations at sea, including boats where passengers refused assistance and continued toward the UK.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised the government’s handling of border control, calling the latest figures a “national disgrace.” Labour hit back, pointing to similar crossing numbers during Philp’s own time as immigration minister in 2021.