Nine boats carrying 572 people intercepted while crossing Channel

Total number of arrivals by small boats reaches 32,691 this year, up 22% on same time last year but lower than 2022

Nine boats carrying 572 people have been intercepted while attempting to cross the Channel, according to the Home Office.

The latest crossings come after Keir Starmer announced plans to tackle what he described as the “national security threat” of people smugglers, pledging an extra £75m and a new team of detectives.