Channel small-boat arrivals down sharply in early 2026 — but ministers brace for summer surge
Home Office figures show crossings 38% lower than the same period last year, yet officials caution the warmer months historically drive the largest numbers.
Eleanor Whitfield
Writer ·
- Around 9,000 crossings recorded by the end of May 2026, down 38% year on year
- Roughly 36,000 arrivals in the 12 months to 31 May 2026, down 13%
- More than 203,000 crossings detected in total since 2018
- About 41,000 people crossed in calendar year 2025
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