Over 36,000 migrants crossed the Channel into Britain in 2024 marking a 25% increase compared to previous year
WATCH NOW: Mark White reacts to an influx of migrants expected across the channel over Christmas
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More than 36,000 migrants crossed the Channel into Britain in 2024, marking a 25 per cent increase compared to 2023 figures, new government data has revealed.
Around 36,816 made the perilous journey to the UK, in comparison with the 29,437 individuals who arrived the year before.
However, compared to record numbers from 2022, the total number has decreased by 20 per cent.
The final crossings of the year were carried out on December 29, which saw 291 migrants making their way to the UK from French shores in six boats.
However, due to such severe weather conditions, no crossings took place in the final two days of 2024 (Stock)
PA
However, due to such severe weather conditions, no crossings took place in the final two days of 2024, Home Office figures show.
As a result, 2024 had the second highest number of illegal arrivals in a single year since 2018, when data into such statistics began.
While the 2018 and 2019 figures were relatively low, with 299 and 1,843 recorded crossings respectively, the figure jumped to 8,466 in 2020.
It leapt even further in 2021, as 28,526 crossings were counted, reaching a record 45,774 in 2022.
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After the significant surge in crossings, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was forced to acknowledge that he had failed to "stop the boats" as Labour won the General Election last summer, taking over from the Tories.
As a result, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman was never able to implement her infamous Rwanda scheme, which faced significant backlash, and was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court.
Similarly, ex Home Secretary and now backbencher James Cleverly failed to launch flights to Rwanda, although he made further efforts to solidify a treaty with the east African country, as well as bringing back new legislation to the Commons.
However, while 13,574 migrants arrived in the UK under the Conservatives, around 23,242 people made the crossing in the second half of the year under Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Government.
While 13,574 migrants arrived in the UK under the Conservatives, around 23,242 people made the crossing in the second half of the year under Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Government
PA
Labour was quick to scrap the Conservatives' Rwanda "gimmick" as part of its manifesto promises, with Starmer declaring the plan "dead and buried".
Although Home Secretary Yvette Cooper ceded that the Government had a moral duty to combat the illegal crossings, she refused to announce a deadline for her targets.
Echoing the PM's previous statements on the matter, Cooper added that the nation must "go after" the criminal gangs who organise such dangerous journeys for the migrants.
The National Crime Agency has confirmed that it is conducting around 70 investigations into organised crime on immigration and human trafficking.
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