In the first quarter of 2024, 5,373 people illegally made the dangerous crossing from France to the United Kingdom. Seven migrants have died at sea and on a canal since the start of the year while trying to reach England.
In 2023, the number of migrants who crossed the Channel illegally was down sharply compared to the record in 2022 (45,000). Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who arrived at 10 Downing Street a year and a half ago, has made the fight against irregular immigration one of his priorities.