Record number of migrants cross English Channel in first three months of year

The number of migrants reaching the UK by crossing the English Channel has hit a new record for the first three months of the year.

So far in 2025, a total of 5,847 people have arrived, including 335 on Sunday, according to provisional Home Office data.

This figure surpasses the 5,435 arrivals recorded in the first quarter of 2024, which was previously the highest for this period. It also exceeds the numbers seen in 2023 (3,793) and 2022 (4,548) for the same timeframe.

According to an analysis by the PA news agency, this year’s total is 36% higher than the 4,306 recorded at this stage in 2024 and 59% more than the 3,683 arrivals by this point in 2023.

The record-breaking numbers come as the Government pledges tougher measures to combat people smuggling, including new criminal offences and counter-terror-style powers for law enforcement agencies to curb Channel crossings.

Last week, the French coastguard confirmed that two migrants lost their lives while attempting the crossing on Wednesday and Thursday.

The International Organisation for Migration has also reported several other migrant deaths this year, believed to be linked to attempts to travel from mainland Europe to the UK.

A Home Office spokesperson emphasized the Government’s commitment to ending these dangerous journeys, stating:

**"We all want to stop perilous small boat crossings that put lives at risk and compromise border security.

People-smuggling gangs exploit vulnerable individuals without concern for their safety, as long as they get paid.

We are determined to dismantle their operations and hold them accountable."**