Migrants Coming By Small Boat To England Set A Record

JAKARTA A total of 28,076 migrants crossed the British Strait towards England on a small boat this year. This figure record is up 46% compared to the same period in 2024.

This increases pressure on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his handling of immigration.

The sharp increase in the number of migrants comes amid growing public concerns about immigration, which polls say is a major public concern, with anti-migrant protests continuing outside hotels hosting asylum seekers.

Reported by Reuters on Monday, August 25, the record was recorded on Sunday after 212 migrants arrived in four different boats that day.

Demonstrations took place across the UK over the weekend following a court ruling last week ordering the expulsion of asylum seekers from hotels in Epping, northeastern London, the latest hotspot in an immigration debate.

The Government of the Labor Party led by Starmer promised to abolish hotel use in stages by 2029 and overhaul the asylum system.

On Sunday, the government announced reforms to speed up asylum applications and reduce the buildup of more than 100,000 cases.

Interior Minister Yvette Cooper said the change was aimed at restoring "control and order" to a system he called "in total chaos".

Official data last week showed asylum claims hit a record high, with more migrants accommodated in hotels than last year.

Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing party Reform UK outlined plans for "mass deportation" of migrants arriving in small boats.

The plan includes British withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights, banning asylum claims, and construction of detention centers for 24,000 people.

He told The Times newspaper he would make repatriation deals with countries such as Afghanistan and Eritrea, and arrange daily deportation flights.