Home Office figures show 19,000 migrants entered the UK by small boat in 2024

New figures from the UK Home Office show that more than 19,000 migrants have entered the UK by small boat so far in 2024.

On Saturday, 492 migrants crossed the border in nine boats, bringing the provisional total this year to 19,066. That is a 10% increase from 2023, when 17,346 crossings were recorded, but a 10% decrease from the 21,130 crossings recorded in 2022.

A Home Office spokesman said: “We all want to see an end to dangerous small boat crossings, which undermine border security and endanger lives.

“The new Government is taking steps to improve our border security by establishing a new Border Security Command that will bring together our intelligence and law enforcement agencies, equipped with new counter-terrorism powers and hundreds of staff based in the UK and abroad to help defeat criminal smuggling gangs that are making millions in profits.”

One of the first steps of the new government was to abolish the deportation program for Rwanda, which according to Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly benefits people who profit from unsafe border crossings.

He said: “When Labour abandoned our deterrent they sent a dangerous message to people smugglers, because they were unwilling to take the tough measures needed to control our borders, and now the smugglers are reaping the rewards.

“And more than a month later, they still haven’t appointed anyone to lead their phantom border command.

“This new government must take urgent action to control the ever-increasing numbers of crossings.”

An anti-immigration protester holds a sign reading ‘British Lives Matter’ (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

Hundreds of people gathered in Bournemouth on Sunday to protest their differing views on the immigration debate, which has sparked violent unrest across Britain.

Around 200 anti-immigration protesters holding signs reading “Enough is Enough: Stop the Boats” and “British Lives Matter” gathered outside City Hall, while a counter-protest of an estimated 250 people from groups including Stand Up To Racism gathered opposite them at the Cenotaph holding signs reading “Refugees Are Welcome Here” and “No to Racism”.

Dorset Police were joined in the protests by members of nine other specially trained police forces. Police said the protests were originally intended as marches.

Instead, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan described Sunday’s events as “peaceful, static” protests with “no reports of disorder”.

Stand Up To Racism protesters are seen during far-right and counter protests in Bournemouth (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

Additional temporary powers allowed police officers in Bournemouth to stop people, search for weapons and remove anyone necessary to protect public safety.

Dorset Police also deployed a drone to warn people to remove their face coverings and disguises.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole City Council leader, Councillor Millie Earl, said further support would be provided to local leaders.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community and I recognise that some will understandably still have concerns following these protests,” she said.

“We continue to engage with our faith, community and business leaders to provide further support and reassurance.

More than 900 people have been arrested and more than 460 charged in connection with the week-long riots that swept the country in late July and early August.

On Sunday, Merseyside Police reported that a 45th person has been charged following violent disorder in Southport and Liverpool.

Gavin Pinder, 47, from Failsworth, Greater Manchester, was charged with public order offences on Sunday and has been remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday.

He is the 76th person police have arrested in connection with the unrest.

Additional reporting by the Press Association