Channel migrants: ‘no specified number’ to be returned to France
Home secretary Yvette Cooper has confirmed there is 'no specified number' of migrants set to be returned under the UK-France 'one in, one out' agreement, now in effect. The scheme enables the UK…
Two migrants die as record number cross Channel in one day
A record-breaking 820 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats on 21 May, the highest daily total so far this year. Tragically, two died during the journey, bringing this year’s Channel death…
France accused of encouraging people-smuggling
Fresh controversy has erupted after video footage emerged showing French border officers handing life jackets to migrants mid-Channel, fuelling claims that France is aiding illegal crossings rather than preventing them. The footage, captured…
Already over ten thousand migrant Channel crossings this year
Over ten thousand asylum-seekers have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far in 2025 - an increase of 40% compared to the same period in 2024. The rise has intensified political…
Channel migrants: over 36,000 arrivals in 2024
In 2024, 36,816 people crossed the English Channel in small boats, a slight increase from 2023’s 29,437 but fewer than the record 45,774 in 2022. Tragically, 2024 became the deadliest year for crossings,…
France / England: people-smuggling industry
Days after 27 people drowned in the English Channel, the BBC discovered that smuggling gangs are still telling migrants it is safe to cross. One smuggler said that the drownings were a lie…
Asylum-seeker ‘too tired to carry on’
‘The boat is our only chance for a new life in a safe country’, said Kamal, an Iranian Christian convert who has been in Calais for 10 days with his wife Niki and…
Bishop calls for action over death of 16-year-old migrant
The Bishop of Dover has expressed her deep sadness over the death of a 16-year-old migrant who drowned after attempting to reach the UK in a small boat (see Europe article below). Rt…
Migrant boy found dead on Calais beach
Two teenagers unsuccessfully tried to cross the Channel in a three-foot dinghy using shovels as oars. They wanted to cross by themselves, bypassing people smugglers who charge high prices. One was a 16-year-old…
Migrant arrivals hitting crisis levels
Last month you prayed for compassionate provisions for refugees (see). Now Tony Smith, the former head of UK Border Force, said that if the UK and France fail to agree joint Channel patrols,…
