Almost 20,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats from continental Europe since January 1, UK government figures showed on Tuesday, a new record for the first half of a year.
Some 19,982 made the dangerous journey, surpassing the previous record of 13,489 set in 2024 and adding more pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who promised to tackle migrant numbers when elected last year.
On Monday, 879 migrants arrived in the UK on small boats, the third highest number on a single day so far this year.
Small boat crossings are a key political issue in the UK, with successive governments promising to bring down the numbers.
Starmer is reported to be in negotiations with French President Emmanuel Macron on a deal that would see small boat migrants sent back to France in exchange for asylum seekers with UK family ties.
The proposed deal could be unveiled when Macron visits London next week.
France is also considering allowing officials to stop boats in shallow coastal waters, although they are not allowed to intercept a boat which is already on its way.
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