The past week has seen a significant decrease in the number of small boat crossings in the Channel due to gusty conditions. Despite the balmy spring weather with sunny skies and mild temperatures, no migrants arrived in small boats from Europe between 28 March and 3 April. This drop in crossings has been attributed to the windy conditions between Great Britain and France, according to a source from the Home Office.
The start of 2025 has witnessed the highest number of people making small boat crossings at the beginning of the year since records began in 2018. Nearly 6,500 individuals have made the journey, which is approximately 1,000 more than this time last year. Sky News weather producer Kirsty McCabe highlighted that the Channel experienced particularly windy conditions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of that week. Reports from locations such as Calais, Cherbourg, Lydd Airport, and Alderney indicated mean wind strengths ranging from 15mph to 25mph with gusts up to 32mph. The windiest day was Wednesday, with 35mph gusts, and it was noted that offshore winds would have been even stronger.
The uptick in small boat crossings has prompted political responses, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer taking action to address the issue. Since assuming office, Sir Keir has discontinued the Conservatives’ Rwanda deportation scheme and has instead pursued agreements with countries of origin to curb the movement of migrants. The government has launched a Border Security Command and initiated media campaigns in foreign countries to dissuade potential migrants. Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently visited Serbia to sign a deal aimed at enhancing intelligence sharing on smuggling gangs.
A spokesperson from the Home Office emphasized the government’s commitment to ending dangerous small boat crossings, which endanger lives and compromise border security. Efforts are being made to dismantle people-smuggling networks and bring the perpetrators to justice. The government has proposed a comprehensive plan to restore order to the asylum system, including strengthening enforcement powers, increasing returns to levels not seen in years, and cracking down on illegal working to deter individuals from risking their lives in dangerous crossings.
As the situation evolves and efforts to address small boat crossings continue, it remains crucial to prioritize the safety and security of individuals undertaking these perilous journeys. The government’s multifaceted approach underscores the complex nature of migration issues and the importance of coordinated international efforts to tackle the root causes driving migration across borders.
