Cross-Channel arrivals smashes 9,000 barrier amid a surge of small boats crossings from France

The number of people crossing the Channel in small boats so far this year has smashed the 9,000 barrier amid a surge of more than a third compared with 2023.

Home Office figures show that 211 migrants reached Dover on Thursday, bringing this year's running total to 9,037.

The 9,000 mark was not breached until mid-June last year and in 2022 – which went on to see a record annual total – it was passed on May 22. 

In addition, an unconfirmed number of migrants arrived yesterday. People traffickers are thought to be generating a rush to cross the Channel before the Rwanda asylum removals scheme gets off the ground.

It is understood smugglers are drumming up passengers by falsely suggesting that arriving in Britain now will make a difference to the prospects of remaining here. 

In fact, all 'irregular' migrants – including those who arrive by small boat – are ineligible to claim asylum in Britain and are already subject to the Rwanda scheme.

By the same date in 2023 6,683 migrants had reached Britain by boat, meaning this year's running total is up 35 per cent.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the inaugural Rwanda removals flight is due to take off by mid-July.

A Home Office spokesman said: 'The unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel demonstrates exactly why we must get flights to Rwanda off the ground as soon as possible.'