Spike in migrants crossing English Channel has exposed UK as ‘soft touch’ warns expert

A tell-tale spike in the number of migrants crossing the last year – in contrast with other European border areas – indicates that the UK is increasingly being seen as a “soft touch,” a expert has warned.

Preliminary data from Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, highlights an overall 38% drop in irregular crossings into Europe in 2024, to the lowest level since 2021, reflecting tighter controls and improved cooperation against smuggling networks across many routes.

However, the English Channel saw a 9% rise, bucking the overall trend, with Frontex – whose membership comprises the plus signatories of the Schengen Agreement – putting the figure for , second only to the Eastern Mediterranean route (69,436). The total figure for the whole of the Schengen Area stands at just under 239,000 – a drop of well over a third.

Migration expert Frank Furedi, executive director of the MCC Brussels think tank, said: “The truth is that the UK has become a soft touch.

“Its border controls are feeble and compared to other European nations, Britain has given up on taking its control of borders seriously.”

Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch, said: “Frontex have certainly upped their game in the last couple of years and would no doubt have done even better had they not been constrained by Brussels. Meloni’s firm actions have had a significant effect.

“While Spain’s more liberal approach has done the opposite. As has the UK’s softer approach since the Labour government took office. Also, the EU working with, and providing resources to Libya and Tunisia, has helped to bear down on flows from North Africa.”

Mr Mehmet nevertheless emphasised that the EU had certainly not cracked the problem.

He stressed: “This is not a problem about to be solved. 239,000 ‘detected’ illegal entries is still massive and I doubt there will be another reduction in 2025. Note the surge at the Eastern Land Border and the increases in the Eastern and Western Mediterranean routes, as well as the Western African routes.

“Ultimately, plugging a few gaps at the EU’s external borders doesn’t constitute a longterm solution and I don’t expect illegal Channel crossings to decline. If anything, the ease with which people can get here, the welcoming reception once they do and the prospect of a permanent stay make the UK an even more attractive destination.”

The Frontex report shows significant progress in reducing irregular crossings across multiple EU border routes.

A 59% drop in arrivals via the Central Mediterranean route, traditionally one of the busiest and most perilous for migrants, was attributed to fewer departures from Tunisia and Libya, supported by intensified efforts to disrupt smuggling networks.

Similarly, the Western Balkan route saw a sharp 78% decline, with regional authorities working to stem flows through stricter border management and coordinated action.

Despite this progress, other routes experienced increased activity. The Eastern Mediterranean route reported a 14% rise in crossings, with migrants primarily from Syria, Afghanistan, and Egypt using new corridors from eastern Libya.

The Canary Islands experienced an 18% increase in arrivals along the Western African route, the highest since Frontex began collecting data in 2009. The surge was largely driven by departures from Mauritania. Meanwhile, the Eastern Borders route saw a threefold increase, with migrants entering the EU through and Belarus.

In contrast, the English Channel saw a modest yet concerning rise in attempted crossings, up 9% from 2023. The Channel has long been a focal point of migration challenges, with organised smuggling networks facilitating dangerous sea journeys.

While other EU regions have tightened border controls and addressed smuggling activities more effectively, critics – including Mr Furedi and Reform UK leader argue that the UK’s response has been weak.

Data on migrant demographics underscores the complexity of these flows. Women accounted for just over 10% of detected migrants, with 62% entering through the Eastern Mediterranean route, reflecting the dangers on other paths.

Minors made up a growing share of irregular migrants, rising to 16% in 2024 from 13% the previous year, highlighting the vulnerability of those undertaking these perilous journeys.

Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens emphasised the importance of vigilance in managing Europe’s borders. He said: “Every year, we face unique challenges at our borders that require constant vigilance and adaptability.

“While 2024 saw a significant reduction in irregular border crossings, it also highlighted emerging risks and shifting dynamics. Frontex and the border authorities across Europe must remain ready and flexible to address these evolving challenges effectively. Our commitment is to protect Europe’s borders while upholding the highest standards of humanity and cooperation.”

The Frontex report also shed light on the role of smuggling networks, which adapt swiftly to changing circumstances and remain a persistent threat to border security. Increasing violence by smugglers was reported along the Western Balkan route, while growing instability in regions such as the Sahel continues to drive migration towards Europe.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that 2,300 people lost their lives at sea in 2024, underscoring the tragic human cost of such hazardous crossings. Nearly 100 migrants were rescued in the English Channel as more than 600 people have arrived in the UK so far this year.

The French coastguard was called to help 99 people overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday after reports of multiple migrant boats leaving off the coast of Pas-de-Calais. Some 58 people on board one boat first discovered in the area of La Huchette beach, between Gravelines and Calais, were taken back to Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Another 41 people were rescued off the coast of Malo-les-Bains and taken back to land, while others on the dingy continued their journey, the coastguard said. According to provisional Home Office figures, 215 people in four boats arrived in the UK on Wednesday, taking the total for the year so far to 603 people.

The data comes as crossings continued on Thursday, and comes just days after the Government confirmed the first death of the year of a migrant trying to reach the UK from the French coast on Saturday.

A total of 36,816 people made the journey in 2024, a jump of 25% from the 29,437 who arrived in 2023, but a drop of 20% on the record 45,774 arrivals in 2022, according to Home Office data.

Speaking last week, PM Sir said: Sir said he was “absolutely determined” to stop people crossing the English Channel in small boats as the Government launched a new sanctions regime targeting people smuggling gangs.

Asked by broadcasters if the new scheme would make a difference, the Prime Minister said: “I’m absolutely determined that we are going to stop people crossing the channel in small boats. That is being run by gangs who are making a huge amount of money from the vile trade of people smuggling and getting them into those boats.

“I was chief prosecutor for five years, and one of the things that I learned then was, if you’re going to smash a gang that was driven by money, follow the money.

“That’s why, in addition to all the other work we’re doing here today, we’re introducing a sanctions regime which is very similar to the powers we’ve used against terrorists, which allows us to seize their assets, to stop them traveling, and to put them out of business.”

He added: “That is a really important step. It’s a world first. Nobody has done this before, and I’ve just spent the morning talking to our law enforcement about how we’ll work with colleagues to bring about this regime, put it in place and take yet another important step to smashing the gangs that are running this absolutely vile trade, and make sure we’ve got proper control of our borders.”