Migrants attempt to cross the Channel on Christmas Day (Image: STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY)
More than 450 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats on Christmas Day.
Home Office figures updated yesterday show 451 migrants in 11 rubber dinghies .
The latest arrivals bring the total so far this year to 35,491 – up from 29,437 in 2023.
Reform UK deputy leader said: “It’s quite clear that far from smashing the gangs, it’s only getting worse under Labour.
“Labour need to start putting British people first and not allowing our borders to be at the whim of the weather.
“Reform UK are clear, our plan is to pick up and return the boats to France as allowed under UN Convention of Law at Sea. This will stop boats within weeks but requires leadership not cowardice.”
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Prime Minister Sir has pledged to “smash the gangs” who faciitate the small boat crossings.
As part of this work, the Prime Minister has set up a new Border Security Command, and is attempting to work more closely with the UK’s European neighbours to pull apart organised crime gangs involved in people smuggling.
But he has faced criticism from the for scrapping the Rwanda deportation scheme.
More than 450 migrants made the dangerous journey in small boats on December 25 (Image: STEVE FINN PHOTOGRAPHY)
The figure for 2023 is down from the record high in 2022, when 45,774 people made the crossing.
Those who arrived in Dover on Christmas Day broke a period of more than a week when no small boats had been spotted.
The last time vessels carrying migrants made the perilous journey was on December 14, when some 160 people arrived in three boats.