"December is traditionally one of the quietest months for Channel crossings, as a combination of low temperatures and stormy weather makes the journey particularly difficult. Poor visibility and less daylight have also been cited as factors influencing the crossings. The most arrivals recorded in December was 3,254 in 2024; 2,163 people have arrived so far this month. The arrivals on Saturday bring the total number of people who have crossed the Channel this year to 41,455."
"A Home Office spokesperson said: The number of small boat crossings is shameful and the British people deserve better. This government is taking action. We have removed almost 50,000 people who were here illegally, and our historic deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back. France recently indicated it planned to halt small boats at sea before they pick people up heading for the UK, after pressure from Keir Starmer."
More than 800 people crossed the Channel in small boats on Saturday, a record for a day in December according to the Home Office. December is typically quiet for crossings due to low temperatures, stormy weather, poor visibility and limited daylight. 3,254 arrivals in December were recorded in 2024; 2,163 people have arrived so far this month. Saturday's crossings raise the year-to-date total to 41,455, below the 2022 record of 45,755. French authorities rescued 151 people over the weekend and returned them to France. The UK government cites removals of nearly 50,000 people and a deal with France to return arrivals, while Germany passed a law increasing penalties for people smugglers.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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