Why Channel crossings have continued to rise: six key reasons

<p>More than 50,000 people have arrived in UK since Keir Starmer vowed to ‘smash the gangs’ behind small boats</p><p>Keir Starmer moved into Downing Street 403 days ago promising to ditch the government’s failing Rwanda plan, bin the slogan “stop the boats” and instead use the money to “smash the gangs” organising the crossings.</p><p>Since then, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/12/more-than-50000-people-crossed-channel-in-small-boats-since-labour-took-power">more than 50,000 people</a> have arrived in the UK after travelling across the Channel in ribbed boats, and the smuggling gangs continue to profit from the misery of desperate people.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/12/why-channel-crossings-have-continued-to-rise-five-key-takeaways">Continue reading...</a>