41,472 Channel crossings in 2025 already - up 13% on all of 2024

Migrants arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel for the first time in 13 days on Monday (Gareth Fuller/PA) Gareth Fuller

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has admitted there is no guarantee that small boat crossings will decrease by this time next year, despite ongoing government efforts to tackle the crisis. In testimony before the Home Affairs Committee on Wednesday, she described the current numbers as «unacceptable» but warned the problem requires «long-term, careful, painful work» without a «silver bullet».

More than 65,000 migrants have crossed the Channel since Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took office. Crossings in 2025 already stand at 41,472, compared to 36,816 in all of 2024 – a 13% increase. The government faces mounting pressure to demonstrate progress, with the asylum backlog still in the tens of thousands.

Government response measures

The government has taken several steps to counter people smuggling gangs. Sir Keir Starmer negotiated a deal with Chinese authorities to prevent boat motors from reaching smugglers. The Home Office recently cracked down on advertisements guiding migrants on how to circumvent immigration checks.

Despite these actions, no Channel crossings had occurred for 13 days before Monday – suggesting weather and operational factors play significant roles.

Legislative changes planned

When questioned by Liberal Democrat MP Ben Maguire about the rising numbers, Mahmood acknowledged the challenge. «These are unacceptable and the numbers need to come down,» she told the committee. «What I would say is this is a fiendishly difficult problem to resolve.»

The Home Secretary outlined legislative changes the government plans to introduce at the earliest opportunity. These include modifying the appeal system and further restricting interpretation of Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, which covers the right to family life.

«I would love to be in that position. I can't guarantee I'm going to be in that position,» Mahmood said when asked if numbers would fall by next year. «That's because the measures will take some time to come into effect.»

Human Rights Act context

Article 8 and Article 3 of the Human Rights Act – which protects against inhuman or degrading treatment – have historically been used to prevent deportations of individuals without the right to remain in the UK. The UK is part of a group of countries advocating for changes in how these articles are interpreted.

Mahmood emphasized the issue resonates personally. «This is an issue of deep concern in my own constituency and my city as well, so I fully hear what you and your constituents are saying, and it's exactly where I am as well,» she told MPs.

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).