Channel migrant crisis tipped to get worse this year as more ‘travelling during bad conditions’ despite threat to life
Henry Bolton fears more Channel migrants are making their way to Britain
GB NEWS
A former UKIP leader has warned that migrants are crossing the Channel during adverse weather conditions, marking a concerning shift in crossing patterns.
Henry Bolton OBE, speaking on GB News, expressed worry about migrants making the journey despite harsh conditions.
"I live down on the South East coast and it was bitterly cold last night," Bolton said.
"I would have to look at the figures, but we're seeing more movement in bad weather conditions, particularly the cold, than we have in any previous year," he added.
The first migrants of 2025 have crossed the English Channel, with a Border Force vessel intercepting a small boat early Saturday morning.
The vessel returned to Dover with the dinghy's passengers on board.
Henry Bolton issued a warning on GB News
GB NEWS
This marks the first Channel crossing attempt since December 29, when poor weather conditions temporarily halted such journeys.
The crossing comes as authorities continue to grapple with the ongoing migration challenge in the Channel.
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Last year saw almost 37,000 people make the perilous journey across the English Channel in small boats.
Around 1,500 migrants crossed during the Christmas period alone.
Almost 37,000 people made the treacherous journey in small boats in 2024GB NEWSPoor weather conditions had prevented any crossing attempts between December 29 and today's incident.
Since the General Election six months ago, more than 23,000 migrants have arrived on Britain's beaches.
Bolton suggested a broader approach is needed to address the Channel crossings issue.
"I do think there is an opportunity to negotiate with France and Brussels. I have always criticised the UK Government's approach in doing that. It has been a singular thing," he said.
Migrants continue to cross the Channel GETTYHe criticised the isolated nature of current solutions, noting: "Everything it has done and in fact, what every party has proposed to do, is in isolation of all other parts of the puzzle."
Bolton emphasised the European dimension of the crisis.
"The European Union faces a migration problem. The negotiations we've had with France are couched in the context of the European Union's open borders and its problem," he stated.
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