Rishi Sunak emphasized the importance of public "confidence" in his strategy to reduce Channel crossings, given that the total number of such crossings this year is approaching 20,000.
The Prime Minister asserted that the current count of migrant arrivals is lower than that of the previous year, which he believes is indicative of the effectiveness of his "stop the boats" plan.
The resumption of crossings occurred on Tuesday, marked by images depicting a dinghy crowded with men and boys. Some of them were seen without life jackets, precariously perched on the sides of the dinghy with their legs hanging into the water.
Witnesses reported that a nearby French patrol vessel seemed to be guiding and monitoring the boat as it entered UK waters en route to Dover. The vessel was eventually intercepted by the Border Force and brought ashore at the port of Kent.
Provisional data from the Home Office reveals that as of 2023, a total of 19,801 migrants have entered the UK after crossing the English Channel.
This figure reflects a 21% decrease compared to the same period last year, during which more than 25,000 individuals had already completed the journey. An analysis conducted by the PA news agency based on government statistics underscores this decline.
Over the recent bank holiday weekend, the rate and volume of crossings notably slowed. Revised Home Office data indicates that only 60 individuals were detected making the journey on a single boat on Sunday. Furthermore, no crossings were recorded on Saturday or Monday.
While visiting Norfolk on Tuesday, Mr. Sunak addressed broadcasters, stating, "This year, for the first time since the small boats crisis emerged, the numbers crossing are down. It's important for people to understand that. This year, for the first time, the numbers of people crossing are lower than the year before. That hasn't happened before. That shows that the plan is working."
He acknowledged, "Certainly, there is more work to be done, but I want people to feel confident that we are addressing the issue and will continue to do so."
Mr. Sunak previously dismissed suggestions that the reduced number of crossings compared to the previous year was primarily due to adverse weather conditions rather than policy decisions.
It is worth noting that this summer has experienced more unsettled weather compared to the previous year, which saw a spike in crossings during August.
Although June 2023 marked the warmest month ever recorded, July and August have been characterized by significantly more turbulent weather, featuring a series of low-pressure systems that have brought about windy and rainy conditions.
In contrast, the summer of 2022 ranks as the fourth warmest on record in the UK and holds the distinction of being the warmest ever recorded in England. During this period, each of the three months experienced heatwaves.
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