LONDON, July 1, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Almost 20,000 migrants have crossed the 
English Channel in small boats from continental Europe since January 1, UK 
government figures showed Tuesday, a new record for the first six months of a 
year.

Some 19,982 made the dangerous journey, surpassing the previous record of 
13,489 set in 2024 and adding more pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, 
who promised to get a grip on migrant numbers when elected last year.