Record Surge in Channel Crossings Sparks Immigration Debate in Britain
A record number of migrants have crossed the Channel to Britain this year, increasing pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer over immigration policy. The surge has led to anti-migrant protests and calls for reform. The government plans to overhaul the asylum system to address public concerns.
The number of migrants crossing the Channel to Britain in small boats reached a record 28,076 this year, marking a 46% rise compared to the same period in 2024, according to government data released on Monday. This increase has intensified demands on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government's immigration policies.
The issue of immigration has risen to the top of public concerns, evidenced by ongoing anti-migrant protests outside hotels accommodating asylum seekers. This latest data comes after a court ordered the removal of asylum seekers from a hotel in Epping, adding fuel to an already heated debate.
In response, Starmer's Labour government pledged to eliminate hotel use for housing migrants by 2029, while implementing a comprehensive overhaul of the asylum system. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced reforms aimed at reducing a backlog of over 100,000 cases while restoring order to what she described as a chaotic system.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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