Small boats crossings hit 25,000 for the year
By: | Published: 2025-07-31 16:29:00 | Source: www.bbc.com
BBC News, South East

More than 25,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel so far in 2025, according to official figures.
The Home Office said 898 people in 13 boats were brought ashore in Dover on Wednesday, bringing the annual total to 25,436.
The 25,000 mark has been passed much earlier this year than in previous years – in the record year of 2022 is was not passed until 27 August.
It comes as ministers continue to grapple with the challenge of cracking down on people-smuggling gangs.
Chris Philp MP, shadow home secretary, called it a “national emergency”, and accused Labour of “doing nothing” to stop the crossings.
The government has said it is sharing intelligence and strengthening…