Some 1,097 migrants crossed the Channel in 17 boats on Saturday, bringing the total in 2025 so far to 30,100, Home Office figures show. The record arrivals come as Shabana Mahmood was appointed Home Secretary on Friday (James Manning/PA)It is the earliest point in a calendar year at which the 30,000 mark has been passed since data on Channel crossings was first reported in 2018. Last year, the figure was not passed until October 30 and in 2023 it was never reached as crossings totalled 29,437 for the whole year. The record arrivals come as Ms Mahmood was appointed Home Secretary on Friday, as part of a major Government reshuffle in the wake of Angela Rayner’s resignation. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he wants to speed up efforts to empty asylum hotels before the next election, but has not committed to a date.
