More than 50,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats since Sir Keir Starmer became prime minister, according to new figures.

Home Office statistics reveal that 474 people arrived on Monday in eight vessels - the highest number to make the journey in one day in August.

It brings the total to 50,271 since Labour took office on 5 July 2024.

It means Sir Keir - who won power promising to "smash the gangs" facilitating the crossings - has reached the 50,000 milestone in 402 days, the fastest of any recent prime minister.

His successor Rishi Sunak was in office for 603 days when he hit the unwanted tally.

It took some 1,066 days under Boris Johnson, though it's worth remembering his tenure covered the COVID pandemic and lockdowns.

Migrants who arrive by small boat from France

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