UK has seen longest period without migrants arriving on small boats since 2018, figures show

Migrant arrivals in small boats have resumed after 28 days without crossings.

Home Office figures showed a stretch between 14 November and yesterday (12 December) without arrivals, making it the longest uninterrupted run since autumn 2018.

However, a number of Border Force vessels were active in the English Channel on Saturday morning, and it is thought that around 160 people from two small boats have been picked up.

So far, 39,292 people have crossed to the UK aboard small boats this year - already more than any other year except 2022.

The record that year was set at 45,774 arrivals.

It comes as the government has stepped up efforts in recent months to deter people from risking their lives crossing the Channel - but measures are not expected to have an impact until next year.

December is normally one of the quietest for Channel crossings, with a combination of poor visibility, low temperatures, less daylight and stormy weather making the perilous journey more difficult.

The most arrivals recorded in the month of December is 3,254, in 2024.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy met with ministers from other European countries this week as discussions over possible reform to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) continue.

The issue of small boat arrivals - a very small percentage of overall UK immigration - has become a salient issue in British politics in recent years.

Last month, French maritime police announced they would soon be able to intercept boats in the English Channel.

(c) Sky News 2025: UK has seen longest period without migrants arriving on small boats since 2018, figures show