A record number of 128 migrants crossed the English Channel on a single boat, despite an overall decrease in the number of such crossings. This boat was one of three that reached the United Kingdom on July 10, bringing a total of 225 people, according to the UK Home Office. The previous record was 125 people, set in September 2025.
The record crossing has raised concerns. The unusually high number of people on board has once again highlighted the tactics used by migrant smuggling networks. “Migrant smuggling networks are taking greater risks than ever, increasing the number of people they cram into unseaworthy boats year by year,” the Home Office told AFP.
Despite the record, the overall number of crossings is decreasing
Mild weather conditions are expected to encourage migrant smuggling networks to send more people across the English Channel from France — and to a lesser extent from Belgium — in the coming days and weeks.
However, the record number of people on one boat remains an exception, as the overall number of migrants crossing the English Channel from France — and to a lesser extent from Belgium — has decreased. According to Home Office data released in early July, 12,439 people have arrived in the UK on small boats since the beginning of the year, a 41% decrease compared to the same period last year.
Government measures and cooperation
The British government has pledged to intensify efforts to combat irregular migration and migrant smuggling networks. These measures include a three-year agreement with France, signed in April, which provides for increased patrols on French beaches in exchange for funding of up to 766 million euros.
The government is also seeking closer cooperation with European partners to limit the access of migrant smuggling organizers to boats, engines, and other equipment used to cross the English Channel. Earlier this month, the Labour government introduced an immigration bill to Parliament to reform the asylum system.
Source: RFI
