In the first quarter of 2024, the UK has seen a record number of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats, prompting significant concern from government officials and immigration authorities. Over 5,000 individuals have made the perilous journey, representing a 43% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge is attributed to criminal gangs adapting their tactics and increased violence against French police by these groups. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to “stop the boats,” a commitment that is now under scrutiny due to the rising numbers.

Shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock has called on the government to address the issue by focusing on the criminal networks behind the smuggling operations. The Labour Party proposes the establishment of a cross-border police unit and a dedicated returns and enforcement unit to tackle the problem more effectively.

The situation has also led to forecasts by experts that 2024 could see as many as 100,000 migrants crossing the Channel, driven in part by favorable weather conditions and despite the known risks, including the tragic deaths of some migrants. This potential figure has raised alarms about the UK’s ability to manage immigration and the safety of those undertaking the journey.

Concerns are also growing regarding the whereabouts of a number of migrants, with fears that dangerous criminals could be among those unaccounted for. The government, however, has dismissed these as speculative figures, though the increase in absconders remains a challenge.

As the UK grapples with these complexities, the government’s strategies and measures to control and manage immigration, combat criminal smuggling networks, and ensure the safety of migrants are under close observation.