Record 165 Migrants Cross the Channel in a Single Boat
A record 165 migrants crossed the Channel to Dover in a single vessel, a so-called “mega dinghy”, as small-boat arrivals continued into the weekend — the first crossings since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister. The figure, the highest recorded for one boat, underscores the scale of the challenge confronting the new government, which has made stopping the crossings a priority.
The overloaded vessel, carrying nearly three times the number that would have been typical a year ago, points to the growing use of larger boats by smuggling gangs to defeat enforcement. Small-boat arrivals remain among the most politically charged issues in British politics, with Reform UK pressing the government hard on the numbers. Mr Burnham has promised to crack down on the smuggling gangs while maintaining safe and legal routes, but the crossings have continued. Ministers face pressure to show results before the numbers climb further over the summer. Watch the weekly crossing totals and the government’s response.