FURY has erupted after more than 25,000 migrants were recorded arriving across the Channel so far this year.
A record number of people have come to the UK on small boats this year, with 898 arriving on just Wednesday alone.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, criticized the recent statistics released yesterday, stating: “This results in more hotels, higher expenses, and an increase in individuals who shouldn’t be staying here.”
“The public have had enough.”
Some 898 people made the journey in 13 boats on Wednesday, bringing the total for 2025 so far to 25,436, Home Office figures show.
The figure is up 51 per cent on this point last year, and is 73 per cent higher than in 2023.
It is the earliest point in the year that the 25,000 mark has been passed since the crisis began in 2018.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp also criticised the number of crossings, saying the government were “doing nothing to stop them”.
He said: “Almost 900 people crossed the Channel yesterday, meaning 25,000 people, mainly young men, have crossed the Channel this year.
“2025 is the worst year on record so far and the Labour Government are doing nothing to stop the crossings. This is now a national emergency.”
Mr Philp also slammed the Government’s recent deal with France to have a one-in-one-out system with small boat migrants.
He added, “Their 17 in, one out agreement with France will barely make a scratch – it would require a decade for Yvette Cooper to remove the illegal immigrants that have entered just since this year under her supposed deal, which hasn’t even begun.”
“The Conservative Party’s Deportation Bill aims to put an end to this issue. We would immediately detain illegal arrivals and deport them without hesitation. Should the ECHR hinder us, we are prepared to withdraw from it.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which threaten lives and undermine our border security.
“The gangs involved in people-smuggling have no concern for the welfare of the vulnerable individuals they exploit, only for the payment, and we are committed to dismantling their operations and ensuring their prosecution.”
“That is why this government has put together a serious plan to take down these networks at every stage.
“By sharing information internationally through our Border Security Command, conducting heightened enforcement activities in Northern France, and implementing stricter rules under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, we are bolstering international cooperation and enhancing our capability to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal organizations while also securing our borders.”
The grim milestone comes amid growing anger over the housing of asylum seekers in taxpayer funded hotels and flats.
Last night more protests took place over “secret” plans to house migrants in a brand new block in Waterlooville, Hampshire.
Disgruntled locals took to the streets after Home Office plans to relocate 35 asylum seekers to a development in the city centre were revealed.
More than 1,000 residents gathered for a peaceful gathering on Wednesday night.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, MP representing Fareham and Waterlooville, commended activists in a statement: “Incredibly proud of the residents of Waterlooville this evening.”
“To the thousands of local people who peacefully protested, you speak for millions.
“Zero offences, arrests and no disorder. You’re not far-right. You just love our country and are willing to stand up for it. Thank you.
“To the Home Office and Havant Borough Council, we say: no. Thank you to the police for keeping everyone safe.”
‘IT’S INSULTING TO LOCAL PEOPLE’
In a letter to Yvette Cooper, the Labour Secretary of State, Ms Braverman described the proposal as “insulting to local people”.
She wrote: “This plan will dump further pressure on policing, healthcare and public infrastructure, all while ignoring the legitimate concerns of residents who have been left voiceless.
“Our town has undergone a transformation and become a welcoming place to work, invest, shop, dine and play.
“Decisions such as yours will once again make our town centres no-go zones for the patriotic, common-sense majority.”
The MP also stated on her website: “This site, in the centre of our town, is utterly inappropriate for migrant accommodation. It must be stopped.”
The consultation ends on Friday August 1, after which the Home Office will decide whether to approve the plans.
A Home Office spokeswoman previously said it was in “active dialogue” with the local authority and added: “We are working to fairly disperse asylum seekers across the country, consulting closely with local authorities and listening to local concerns.”
Another protest is planned in Epping, Essex tonight over the housing of asylum seekers in a the Bell Hotel.
