Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting criticism following a record surge in illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel. On Saturday, May 31, over 1,000 people arrived in small boats alone, the highest daily total this year.
Images from northern France showed French police standing by as dozens of overloaded dinghies carrying men, women, and children seeking refuge in the UK were launched from the coast. British and French rescue teams deployed 11 vessels and two aircraft to manage the situation, which involved an estimated 18 boats crossing the Channel.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the incident as a “day of shame” for the Labour government. “Over 1,000 illegal immigrants in a single day, boats flooding the Channel, the Border Force stretched beyond breaking point, and even fishing vessels were drafted in,” Philp said. “Labour has completely lost control of our borders.”
More than 1,000 migrants made the treacherous journey across the English Channel yesterday
Credit: Getty
French police watched on as scores of people, seeking refuge in Britain, packed onto overloaded dinghies
Credit: Getty
A group of people thought to be migrants waiting on a beach in Gravelines, France, before making the perilous journey to Britain across the English Channel
Credit: PA
The new figures bring the total number of Channel crossings in 2025 to 14,600—around 30% higher than this time last year and the highest total for the first five months of any year since records began in 2018. Law enforcement and government sources warn that 2025 could surpass 2022’s record of 45,755 crossings.
Criminal smuggling gangs continue to play a central role in organizing the crossings, often overloading boats to dangerous levels. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 78 migrants have died attempting the journey in 2024 alone, making it the deadliest year on record. Since 2018, no fewer than 225 migrants have lost their lives making the crossing.
The prime minister has pledged to “smash the gangs” behind the crossings, but critics argue that efforts have so far failed to produce results. Philp pointed to the scrapped Rwanda deportation policy as evidence that Labour has “failed on every front.”
Government insiders have acknowledged that while increased cooperation with French authorities and efforts to disrupt smuggling networks upstream have been made, meaningful results may not be seen until 2026. Additionally, the calm weather conditions this year have contributed to a rise in crossings, with more favorable “red days” for smugglers compared to the same period in 2024.
Defence Secretary John Sheehy, speaking on Sky News, blamed the previous Conservative government for losing control of the borders, describing the current system as “in chaos.” While acknowledging the challenges of intercepting boats in shallow waters, Sheehy expressed optimism about improving cooperation with French authorities, citing new rules that are expected to enhance enforcement.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed the concerns about the weather-dependent nature of the current border situation, calling it “unacceptable.” She emphasized the need for a coordinated international response to effectively dismantle smuggling networks and end dangerous Channel crossings.
Despite strong rhetoric from government ministers, Saturday’s record figures underscore the ongoing challenge faced by the UK in curbing irregular migration and ensuring border security.
