More Than 150,000 Migrants Cross English Channel

The UK has recorded over 150,000 migrants crossing the English Channel since 2018, with 407 arrivals reported on Boxing Day alone, pushing the total to 150,243. The annual rate of crossings has significantly increased since 2018, when only 299 migrants made the journey, peaking at 45,774 in 2022 before decreasing to 29,437 in 2023. However, 2024 has seen a 22% rise in arrivals compared to the same period in 2023, with 35,898 recorded thus far. The ongoing issue has prompted political debates, with Labour under pressure to address the crisis and criticism aimed at their decision to scrap the Rwanda plan aimed at deterring crossings. The Home Secretary has underscored the government's moral responsibility to tackle the issue but has ruled out creating more legal asylum routes. Additionally, at least 50 migrants have died attempting the crossing this year, highlighting the dangers involved in this perilous journey.