He promised to smash the gangs. He scrapped the Rwanda plan before it even launched. Now, the UK is facing a worsening border crisis, as a new daily record of illegal Channel crossings leaves the country grappling with how to respond.
On Sunday, a staggering 1,194 migrants crossed into Britain via small boats, marking the highest daily total for 2025. Border Force vessels, already stretched to their limits, were forced to call on fishing boats, private yachts, and even kayaks for assistance in rescue operations.
Originally estimated at around 1,000, the confirmed figure has sparked renewed criticism of both French and UK authorities. Eyewitnesses report French officers merely escorting the boats toward UK waters instead of intercepting them. Despite new powers that reportedly allow Frenc