
Starmer to Sign Border Security Deal With Beijing to Target Small Boat Crossings
The UK aims to work with China to track smuggling routes, share intelligence, and stop maritime equipment from reaching criminal gangs.

The UK aims to work with China to track smuggling routes, share intelligence, and stop maritime equipment from reaching criminal gangs.

Since 2018, the UK has seen over 193,500 Channel arrivals—roughly the size of Norwich.

Dozens of lawbreakers crossed the English Channel in sub-zero temperatures, following near-record numbers of illegal arrivals in 2025.

The Labour government promised reforms and policy changes to curb illegal migration but arrival statistics show it’s only gotten worse.

Several boats carrying over 400 people have set out from France, with some already reaching UK territory.

Reform UK leader criticised the government after Channel crossings surpassed last year’s total, warning the problem will worsen and the public will grow angrier.

After weather caused a four-week pause, vessels carrying migrants have reappeared in UK waters—fuelling illegal immigration.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has overseen 10,000 arrivals in 66 days—the fastest pace since 2022.

Despite the new UK-France deportation scheme, migrants continue to cross the Channel illegally, with over 39,000 arrivals so far this year.

Crossings resume after bad weather; this year’s total reaches around 38,000.