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.
A 32-year-old Syrian man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a woman died on a small boat in the English Channel. The woman was found unresponsive and declared deceased in Dover.
A woman has died on a small boat attempting to cross the English Channel into UK waters. The migrant was found unresponsive and declared deceased despite medical attention. This incident highlights the dangers of such crossings, with authorities vowing to continue efforts to prevent them.
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.
