Migrant crossings hit 10,000 so far this year

The number of people who have crossed the English Channel in small boats in 2025 is thought to have reached 10,000.

The Home Office said 247 made the crossing on Sunday, bringing the total so far this calendar year to 9,885, with more than 200 thought to have crossed on Monday.

In 2024, the figure of 10,000 was reached on 24 May.

The government said it was investing in border security, increasing returns to their highest levels for more than five years and cracking down on illegal working in the UK.

The latest figure represents an increase of about 40% compared with the same period last year.

The Home Office is expected to confirm the exact number of arrivals on Monday in the next 24 hours.