Christmas Day Migrant Crossings Rise in Channel

On Christmas Day, French authorities rescued 107 migrants attempting to cross the English Channel, amidst a surge in crossings facilitated by calmer seas. While over 400 migrants are believed to have successfully crossed to Britain on the same day, this marks a significant increase in attempts, with 35,040 crossings recorded in 2024 so far, a 20% rise from last year. The Channel has become increasingly perilous, with 73 reported deaths this year, making it the deadliest year for crossings on record. UK officials, including Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Labour leader Keir Starmer, have called for intensified measures against people-smuggling gangs, although criticism persists regarding the effectiveness of current strategies. Reform MPs have demanded the return of intercepted migrants to France, echoing a sentiment that they should be detained and deported. The situation remains tense as authorities brace for continued crossings amid challenging weather conditions.