More than 700 illegal migrants arrived in UK in 11 boats in a single day

Over 700 migrants crossed the Channel into the UK in 11 boats on a single day, marking a record since the Labour government took office. Home Office data indicated that 703 individuals were detected, also the third highest for the year. Sadly, two migrants died attempting the crossing, with multiple survivors rescued from a distressing situation.

Total arrivals for 2024 have reached 18,342, a 13% increase from the previous year.

In response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer aims to "smash the gangs" responsible for smuggling, forming a new Border Security Command and allocating £84 million to address migration issues in Africa and the Middle East.