Channel crossings over summer hit 6-year low with nearly 7k arrival

Channel crossings over the summer fell to a six-year low, with nearly 7,000 small-boat arrivals between June and August. A total of 6,949 people crossed the Channel in the three summer months, the lowest seasonal figure since 2020, and boats reaching Britain dropped to the lowest level since 2019. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the decline reflects increased international cooperation to disrupt people smugglers’ supply chains for boats, lifebelts and outboard motors, citing also a £662 million deal with France to place more officers on beaches and improve interception tactics. So far this year, 16,391 migrants have crossed from France to the UK, down 43% year-on-year. Crossings in June, July and August were each at their lowest levels since 2018 or 2019, respectively.