Channel arrivals on small boats to the UK hit a record in the first quarter of 2024, with a nearly 42 percent rise over last year, according to the interior ministry. British officials processed 5,373 migrants landing on the shores of southeast England in the first three months of the year after crossing the Channel in small vessels.
This surge in arrivals, compared to 3,793 in the same period in 2023, poses a serious political challenge for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a general election year. Despite his promises to “stop the boats,” the numbers have continued to rise, with nearly 800 migrants arriving over the Easter weekend alone.
The increase in small boat arrivals has led to concerns among voters about immigration levels, contributing to a predicted decline in support for the Conservative party. Recent surveys suggest that the Conservatives could suffer their worst election defeat in history, with Labour projected to win a record number of seats.
In response to the escalating situation, the UK government is taking steps to address the issue. Interior Minister James Cleverly stated that they are targeting the boats upstream in the supply chain, while Sunak is pushing forward with plans to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda, despite legal challenges.
As the government introduces controversial legislation to override safety concerns and establish Rwanda as a “safe” destination for deportations, the situation remains tense. With the possibility of flights to Rwanda taking off in the coming months, the issue of small boat arrivals continues to be a pressing concern for UK authorities.