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

There have been no migrant arrivals in small boats crossing the Channel for 28 days, according to Home Office figures.

The last recorded arrivals were on 14 November.

It is the lowest uninterrupted run since autumn 2018.

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) continues.

The issue of small boats 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 that they will soon be able to intercept boats in the English Channel.