More than 800 individuals successfully crossed the Channel in small boats on a recent Saturday, establishing a new record for daily arrivals in December, according to official figures from the Home Office. This significant influx brought the total number of people who have crossed the Channel this year to 41,455, nearing the annual record of 45,755 set in 2022. December is traditionally recognized as one of the least active months for Channel crossings, primarily due to challenging conditions such as low temperatures, stormy weather, poor visibility, and reduced daylight hours, all of which complicate the perilous journey.

The specific crossing on Saturday involved 803 people utilizing 13 dinghies, making the journey from northern France overnight on Friday into Saturday. This marks the largest single-day crossing since 1,075 individuals arrived on October 8. So far this December, 2,163 people have arrived, moving closer to the record for total monthly arrivals in December, which stands at 3,254. Visual reports included a Border Force vessel actively bringing people into Dover, Kent, on Saturday morning, following observations of multiple boats departing French shores the previous night.

In response to these crossings, the French maritime prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea reported that 151 people were rescued by authorities over the weekend and subsequently returned to French shores. The UK government has reiterated its commitment to addressing the “upstream” causes of the ongoing migration crisis, engaging in collaborative efforts with neighboring countries to tackle the issue at its source.

A Home Office spokesperson expressed strong condemnation, stating that “The number of small boat crossings is shameful and the British people deserve better.” The spokesperson highlighted the government’s active measures, including the removal of nearly 50,000 individuals who were in the UK illegally, and an “historic deal with the French” designed to ensure that those arriving via small boats are sent back to France. These actions underscore the government’s determination to curb illegal Channel crossings.

International efforts to combat illegal migration have also seen new developments. France has recently indicated plans to intercept small boats at sea before they can pick up migrants bound for the UK, a move that follows pressure from Keir Starmer. Furthermore, Germany enacted a new law this week, which is set to come into force before the year’s end, allowing for prison sentences of up to 10 years for people smugglers. This legislation aims to enhance the powers of law enforcement and prosecutors and to foster greater information sharing between the UK and Germany in the fight against human trafficking.