The UK has experienced the longest period without small boat arrivals since 2018, with no migrant detections for 28 days from 14 November to 12 December. Home Office data shows the lull ended on 13 December with 737 arrivals on 11 boats, plus 52 more on 14 December.
This development comes as government initiatives aim to reduce irregular migration, though 2025 figures indicate ongoing challenges with Channel crossings.
The Record Lull in Channel Crossings
The 28-day pause is the longest since a 48-day gap in 2018, according to analysis. December usually sees fewer migrant detections due to adverse weather conditions, including low temperatures and storms, which make the journey more hazardous. Nevertheless, the government has attributed the break to its enhanced efforts. On X, one commenter celebrated it as 'smashing the gangs', aligning with ministerial pledges to disrupt smuggling networks.
✅ smashing the gangs
— ĴΛY ƇᎾИИᎾŔ (@connjam) December 13, 2025
UK has seen longest period without migrants arriving on small boats since 2018, figures show - Sky News https://t.co/FmEdgh3Vb7
The resumption on 13 December saw the Border Force and lifeboat crews busy, bringing the total for that day to 737 people. This event ended what had been a rare quiet period in a year marked by high numbers. Experts note that while weather plays a role, policy changes could be starting to bite, though it's too early to tell.
The average number of people per boat has risen to 56 in recent months, indicating smugglers are packing more individuals per crossing to maximise profits.
Trends in Small Boat Arrivals
In the year ending June 2025, 43,309 people arrived via small boats, a 38% increase from the previous year but 5% below the 2022 record of 45,774. From December 2024 to November 2025, the figure stood at 42,546, accounting for about 22% of Europe's irregular sea arrivals. Migration Watch UK projects that 2025 could see up to 85,000 crossings, surpassing previous totals from 2018 onwards.
The top nationalities include Afghans, Eritreans, Iranians, Syrians, and Sudanese, comprising nearly 60% of arrivals. Since 2018, 95% of small boat migrants have applied for asylum, with 61% of resolved cases granted protection. This high grant rate reflects the perilous situations many flee from. However, the system is strained, with thousands of applications pending.
The rise in average occupants per boat to 56, and a record 65 in June 2025, raises safety concerns, as overcrowding increases the risk of capsizing in the busy English Channel. Changes in nationalities, such as a halving of Syrian arrivals following political shifts, show how global events influence trends.
Government and International Responses
The government has introduced the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, granting counter-terror powers to target smuggling gangs. A 'one-in, one-out' deal with France allows for migrant exchanges, with the UK covering transport costs. Under a 2023 agreement, the UK provided £476 million ($636.6 million) to France over three years to bolster patrols.
French authorities have announced they will 'soon be able to carry out control and intervention operations at sea' to stop boats. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We have removed almost 50,000 people who were here illegally and our historic deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back.' Discussions on reforming the ECHR aim to facilitate deportations.
As of 16 December 2025, with recent small boat arrivals adding to the tally, the focus remains on sustainable solutions to irregular migration. Officials continue to monitor the English Channel closely, anticipating potential increases as weather improves.
