More than 800 migrants crossed the English Channel in 13 boats on Saturday, according to Home Office data—setting a new daily record for December in recent years.
Officials believe the surge is due to a backlog of people attempting the crossing to Kent after several days of poor weather.
The arrivals bring the total number of people making the crossing this year to 41,455, surpassing the 36,816 recorded during all of 2024.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “The number of small boat crossings is shameful, and the British people deserve better.”
By James Kisoo
