(BBC) The number of migrants who have crossed the Channel in small boats in 2024 has already surpassed 2023’s total for the year, figures show.
On Friday, 424 migrants crossed the Channel to bring 2024’s total up to 29,578 — compared to 29,437 arrivals in 2023.
The total in 2023 was down 36% on the record 45,774 arrivals in 2022.
The Home Office said it would “stop at nothing” to dismantle people-smuggling gangs and bring them to justice.
A Home Office spokesperson added: “Our new border security command will strengthen our global partnerships and enhance our efforts to investigate, arrest, and prosecute these evil criminals.”
