Record 781 migrants cross Channel in a day as beach landings trigger urgent review

The Home Office has confirmed that 781 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats yesterday, the highest daily total so far this year. The arrivals came in 10 boats, with an average of almost 80 people per boat, as calmer weather allowed more crossings. Overall numbers are still down on last year. More than 18,000 people have arrived illegally across the Channel this year, a fall of 42%, and this summer saw the lowest number of crossings since 2020.

The record came after two dinghies reached UK beaches without being intercepted on consecutive days. One boat landed near Dover on Tuesday and another arrived near Folkestone the day before. Twenty-one people were detained. The Home Secretary ordered an urgent review and said even one uncontrolled landing is one too many. The Conservatives accused the government of losing control of the border. A cabinet minister said in a radio interview that the government cannot stop everything all of the time. Reports also suggested 10 people from the beach landings were thought to be at large in Kent.

Political pressure on the Home Secretary continued, with the government admitting it needs to go further and harder despite pointing to progress. Opposition parties seized on the uncontrolled landings and the daily record.

Separately, anti-migrant protester Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tomo, has been charged with criminal damage and failing to disclose the PIN to his phone after he was filmed slashing a dinghy in the English Channel with an emergency responder on board. The 37-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court on Friday. He had earlier been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage with intent to endanger life and conduct endangering ships, structures or individuals. About 200 people gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke after his arrest, chanting 'Free DT'.

A father of two has become the first person jailed after anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth. Del Somerville, 42, admitted violent disorder after throwing a plastic bottle at a police line and swearing at officers near Eastney Marina on 6 September. He was jailed for two years. Hundreds of protesters had gathered after a boat carrying about 120 migrants was brought ashore near Eastney Beach.

Analysts said the record daily figure complicates the government's message. Commentators noted that crossings are down by more than 40% this year, but images of boats arriving on beaches still dominate public perception. One home affairs commentator said the smugglers' tactics were defeating the state's tactics, with gangs adapting by launching from further along the French coastline. There were calls for processing centres abroad and for returns agreements with France and other European countries, including a proposal to return everyone who arrives illegally within 48 hours. The government has pointed to a one-in, one-out deal that has seen 1,400 people returned to France.