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UK Channel Crossings Hit 25K in Record Time for 2025

Above: Migrants on board an RNLI lifeboat on July 30, 2025. Image copyright: Gareth Fuller/PA Images/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

To tackle the small boats crisis, the government is implementing comprehensive measures to disrupt people-smuggling networks through enhanced international cooperation and new enforcement powers. Recent actions include increased surveillance, strengthening working ties with France, and establishing specialized units to disrupt criminal operations at their source.

Government-critical narrative

The surge in Channel crossings represents a complete failure of the government's immigration policies. Starmer scrapped the Rwanda deterrent, and his "smash the gangs" promise has proven hollow as crossings hit record levels. Furthermore, the proposed France deal will barely make a dent, potentially taking up to a decade to address current arrivals.

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 66% chance that Labour will reduce small boat crossings in the English Channel by at least 50% during the 59th parliament term, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


The Controversies



Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

More neutral establishment stance articles

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