Migrant Crisis: Crossings have surpassed landmark 100,000

The number of people crossing the English Channel on small boats in the last five-and-a-half years could have passed 100,000 following fresh arrivals of migrants on lifeboats on Thursday.

Analysis of Government figures since current records began on January 1 2018 showed that, as of Tuesday, 99,960 people have arrived in the UK after making the journey.

RNLI lifeboats were spotted bringing dozens to shore over th3 weekend, meaning it is likely the milestone has been reached.

On Thursday, an eyewitness said there appeared to be more than 40 people brought ashore on board two lifeboats, which had attended a dinghy out in the Channel.

Data on the number of migrants detected crossing the English Channel in small boats to enter the UK each day is published by the Home Office and Border Force.

Since the beginning of January 2023 to August 9, figures show 15,071 people crossed the Channel.