By Ben Kerrigan-
Over 5,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel this year, with nearly 800 making the journey over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
A total of 791 migrants made the journey on 30 and 31 March, according to the Home Office.
Official Home Office figures also reveal that another 442 people in nine small boats crossed on Easter Sunday, highlighting the scale of the ongoing influx.
The unprecedented surge in arrivals poses a formidable political challenge for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, particularly in the context of a general election year
The United Kingdom witnessed a staggering surge in arrivals of migrants via small boats during the first quarter of 2024, reaching a record high.
The UK interior ministry disclosed that 5,373migrants landed on the shores of southeast England between January and March, marking a significant increase of nearly 42 percent compared to the same period last year.
This surge in arrivals represents the highest figure ever recorded for the opening quarter of any year, highlighting the intensifying challenges faced by UK authorities in managing irregular migration across the English Channel.
The perilous journey undertaken by migrants in small vessels has raised concerns about safety and security, prompting calls for enhanced measures to address the escalating crisis.
Over the Easter weekend alone, nearly 800 migrants arrived on 16 small boats, underscoring the scale of the ongoing influx. The unprecedented surge in arrivals poses a formidable political challenge for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, particularly in the context of a general election year.
Sunak, who has repeatedly pledged to “stop the boats,” is under mounting pressure to deliver on his promises amid escalating public scrutiny. The resurgence in migrant arrivals comes as a setback for the embattled Conservative leader, who had touted success in reducing migration levels last year.
However, the reversal in the trend has cast doubts on the effectiveness of government policies aimed at curbing irregular migration. With the prospect of a general election looming, Sunak faces the daunting task of maintaining the Conservative Party’s grip on power amid mounting discontent and opposition.
Recent polls suggest a challenging electoral landscape for the Conservatives, with projections indicating a significant decline in support for the ruling party.
According to one study involving over 18,000 voters, the Conservatives are forecasted to suffer their worst election defeat in history, potentially losing a substantial number of seats to the opposition Labour Party.
The outcome of the upcoming general election is poised to have far-reaching implications for the future direction of UK immigration policy and the nation’s political landscape.