UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledges "relentless" action on small boat crossings, advocating for safe routes and EU dialogue, following Spain's return of 98% of 50,000 migrants from Ceuta to Morocco. UK crossings are down 43% year-on-year.
Between January and July 2026, 14,128 people crossed the English Channel by small boat, a 42% decrease from the previous year. These crossings are the most common illegal entry method since 2020, with nearly all arrivals claiming asylum. Overcrowding has doubled since 2021, leading to increased risks and at least 84 deaths in 2024.
Between January and July 2026, 12,469 people crossed the English Channel by small boat, a 45% decrease from the previous year. These crossings are the most common illegal entry method since 2020, with arrivals making up 42% of asylum applications. Overcrowding has doubled since 2021, increasing risks, with at least 84 deaths in 2024.
Winston Marshall, son of GB News co-owner Paul Marshall and former Mumford & Sons member turned rightwing influencer, appeared on Fox News to propose building a mined "floating wall" across the English Channel to stop small boat crossings. The proposal came during discussion of a new £660m UK-France deal to tackle crossings, which Marshall said made him "pretty angry". He claimed the idea might sound "ridiculous" but should be explored after £1bn spent over six years on deterrence. The Dover Strait is the world's busiest shipping lane.
Winston Marshall, son of Spectator owner Paul Marshall and former Mumford & Sons member turned rightwing influencer, has suggested Britain build a mined 'floating wall' across the English Channel to stop small boat crossings. Speaking on Fox News, he said the idea 'might sound ridiculous' but should be explored after £1bn spent over six years on deterrence failed. The proposal comes amid a new £660m UK-France deal to tackle Channel crossings, which Marshall said made him 'pretty angry'. He claimed migrants are 'military aged men' who are 'economic migrants' not refugees.
