Amnesty International's Steve Valdez-Symonds has called for the establishment of safe routes for asylum seekers, arguing that current policies are ineffective in addressing the motivations behind dangerous crossings.

As of April 27, 2025, the number of migrants crossing the Channel to the UK has reached 9,885, with the total for the year surpassing 10,600.

This figure represents a record high for the first four months of the year, with a 38% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a staggering 72% increase from 2023.

The Conservative Party has criticized the Labour government for its handling of border security, claiming that the unprecedented number of crossings is a direct result of their failures.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp echoed these sentiments, labeling 2025 as the worst year on record for small boat crossings and criticizing the scrapping of the Rwanda scheme.

In response to the rising numbers, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the need for stronger action against human trafficking gangs, which she claims are exploiting the situation.

On April 29, Border Force recovered a kayak used by migrants to illegally cross into UK waters, further illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by authorities.

The warm weather forecasted for this week is expected to coincide with increased crossings, as the first warm spell of 2025 begins.

By the end of April 29, 2025, the total number of migrants who arrived by small boat is expected to reach 1,200, marking a significant surge.

The Home Office is set to confirm whether the cumulative total of 10,000 arrivals has been surpassed, which would mark the earliest date this milestone has been reached in a calendar year.

The Home Office has reiterated its commitment to enhancing border security and dismantling people-smuggling operations through various measures and international cooperation with French authorities.

Recent images from Dover show migrants arriving in life jackets from Border Force boats, highlighting the ongoing crisis as warm weather encourages more crossings.