According to the latest UK Home Office figures, nearly 20,000 people crossed the English Channel by small boats in the first half of this year, setting a new record for arrivals during this period.

Home Office data shows that nearly 1,500 people have crossed since Sunday, bringing the total to 19,982 by the end of June. The highest single-day arrival this year was recorded on May 31, with 1,195 people crossing.

In comparison, the first half of 2024 saw 13,489 small boat arrivals in the UK, up from 11,433 in 2023 and 12,747 in 2022.

The spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the numbers “clearly unacceptable” on Tuesday, blaming people-smuggling gangs for establishing large-scale operations across Europe in recent years.

A Home Office spokesperson previously said authorities are committed to ending dangerous small boat crossings that threaten lives and dismantling people-smuggling gangs exploiting vulnerable individuals.

“That is why this government has put together a serious plan to take down these networks at every stage,” the spokesperson stated, noting that international intelligence sharing, tougher laws, and increased enforcement are strengthening efforts to dismantle criminal gangs and secure borders.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the UK later this week is expected to focus on tackling small boat crossings.

Since coming to power in July last year, Labour has introduced measures including a new offence for endangering lives at sea and plans to use counter-terrorism powers against people smugglers. In mid-May, Keir Starmer announced plans to establish “return hubs” in third countries, in cooperation with other nations, as part of the UK’s ongoing efforts to reduce migrant crossings in the English Channel.