A total of 710 migrants crossed the Channel aboard small boats on Monday to reach the United Kingdom, a single-day record since the start of 2026, according to figures from the British Home Office published Tuesday June 16. No arrivals were recorded between June 1 and 14.
Since the start of 2026, 9,852 people have reached English shores illegally, a drop of 40% compared to the same period last year. In 2025, 41,472 people arrived in the UK on small boats. This figure is the second highest since 2018, when these crossings increased.
Pressure from anti-immigration party Reform UK
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised when he came to power in July 2024 to “take back control” of the borders. The head of government is facing pressure from Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK party, leading voting intentions according to polls. He is also very strongly contested within his Labor camp and his future in Downing Street is uncertain.
London and Paris signed a new three-year agreement in April aimed at stemming illegal crossings of the Channel. London’s financial contribution is clearly increasing – 766 million euros compared to 540 million over the period 2023-2026 – but for the first time, a part (186 million euros) is now flexible to be adjusted more effectively according to needs.
