More than 5,000 migrants cross Channel in 2025

More than 5,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel so far in 2025, Home Office data shows.

This is the earliest point in the year that crossings have reached that point since recent records began.

A total of 241 people made the crossing in four boats on Saturday, bringing the total this year to 5,512, according to the latest figures from the government.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security."

The latest figure for 22 March compared to 4,306 by the same date in 2024, and 3,683 in 2023. While in 2022, 3,836 had crossed.

The highest number arriving in one day this year so far stands at 592 people, who crossed the Channel in 11 boats on 2 March.

The French coastguard confirmed two migrants died in two days attempting to cross the Channel on Wednesday and Thursday.

The UK signed a "road-map" agreement with France earlier in March aimed at bolstering co-operation to tackle people smuggling across the Channel.

The Government's new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill also continues through Parliament with plans to introduce new criminal offences and hand counter terror-style powers to police and enforcement agencies.

The Home Office spokesperson added: "The people-smuggling gangs do not care if the vulnerable people they exploit live or die, as long as they pay.

"We will stop at nothing to dismantle their business models and bring them to justice."

Additional reporting by PA Media.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.