Migrant crisis: More than 3,000 cross channel in just 11-days as pressure mounts on Rishi Sunak

The run of good weather resulted in the biggest single-day figure for the year so far, when 872 crossed in 15 small boats on Saturday 2^nd September.

After this recent spell of good conditions, the weather is turning less favourable again, and the daily total for the number crossing is beginning to diminish.

Home Office figures reveal 144 Channel migrants crossed on Monday in three boats.

Today, so far, just two boats have crossed, carrying around 100 migrants.

Thundery conditions and increasing winds are expected to hit the Channel this evening and into tomorrow.

Although the last 11 days have seen a surge in small boat crossings, the total figure is 17 per cent down on the same period last year.

GB News reported last week that increasing French police patrols were forcing criminal people smuggling gangs to launch boats much further south along the French coast.

Sources revealed that additional patrols around traditional small boat launching points near Calais and Dunkirk may be having an effect on the overall numbers crossing the Channel.

The increased presence has made it more difficult for people smugglers to get migrants and equipment to launch areas which are much further afield.

The continued high level of crossings comes as dissatisfaction among the British public at the Government’s handling of immigration hits its highest level since the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Two-thirds (66 per cent) of those questioned across England, Scotland and Wales said they are dissatisfied with the way politicians in charge are dealing with the issue, the Immigration Attitudes Tracker survey suggested.

The level is the highest it has been since 2015 when the survey began, and the latest figure is up from a low of 41 per cent in 2020.

The group surveyed 3,000 adults online in July and August 2023.