Cross-Channel arrivals smashes 9,000 barrier amid a surge of small boats ... trends now

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The number of people crossing the Channel in small boats so far this year has smashed the 9,000 barrier amid a surge of more than a third compared with 2023.

Home Office figures show that 211 migrants reached Dover on Thursday, bringing this year's running total to 9,037.

The 9,000 mark was not breached until mid-June last year and in 2022 – which went on to see a record annual total – it was passed on May 22. 

In addition, an unconfirmed number of migrants arrived yesterday. People traffickers are thought to be generating a rush to cross the Channel before the Rwanda asylum removals scheme gets off the ground.