Record 5,000 cross Channel to UK in first three months of 2024

Number of arrivals via small boats was 4,993 as of Saturday, exceeding previous record for equivalent period of 4,548

Almost 5,000 people have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel in small boats so far this year, according to government figures.

The Home Office data shows 349 people attempted the journey in seven boats on Saturday, taking the total number of arrivals to 4,993 since the start of 2024 – a record high for this time of year. The previous record over an equivalent period was 4,548 in 2022.