More than 1,100 people crossed the English Channel in small boats over a four-day period this week, according to the latest figures released by the Home Office.
The surge in crossings came just days after a political clash between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in the House of Commons on Wednesday at PMQs (14 May).
Farage called for a “national security emergency” to be declared in the English Channel following the arrest of an Iranian national believed to have entered the UK by small boat.
He asked: “Does the Prime Minister agree that now is the time to declare the situation in the English Channel as a national security emergency?”
In response, Keir Starmer said: “The situation is serious. The last government lost control of the borders, and we are taking out the Borders Bill.
“Precisely to his point, the Borders Bill is the first bill to give terrorism-like powers to law enforcement, precisely so that we can get in before the crimes are committed, before people get to this country. That is why this is the most far reaching provision ever for law enforcement to defend and secure our borders.”
He added: “And that is why it is extraordinary that he, of all people, voted against it. And sooner or later, he’s going to abstain it.”
According to Home Office data, the largest number of crossings took place ton Sunday 12 May, when 601 migrants arrived on 10 boats. On Monday, 13 May, 292 people arrived on five boats.
The other figures show:
- 232 migrants arrived on 4 boats on 11 May
- 58 migrants arrived on 1 boat on 10 May
- No arrivals were recorded on 9, 14 or 15 May
Separately, the Home Office issued a statement on 9 May outlining ongoing efforts to tackle illegal crossings and dismantle people-smuggling networks.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security.
“The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay and we will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice.
“That is why this government has put together a serious plan to take down these networks at every stage.
“Through international intelligence sharing under our Border Security Command, enhanced enforcement operations in Northern France and tougher legislation in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, we are strengthening international partnerships and boosting our ability to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal gangs whilst strengthening the security of our borders.”
According to the Home Office, a ‘small boat’ refers to any vessel used by individuals attempting to cross the Channel without a visa or permission to enter the UK. This includes rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), dinghies, and kayaks.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
