Channel migrant crossings rise 13% in 2025 despite Labour pledges

The UK government published 2025 Channel migrant crossing figures showing a 13% increase with over 4,500 more people arriving by small boat compared to 2024. The data reveals Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's failure to curb illegal crossings 18 months after making 'smashing the gangs' a central election pledge. While the increase was less than feared after summer highs tracking above 2022's record numbers, the figures remain politically damaging. The government's multi-faceted approach includes new anti-gang powers, Danish-style asylum reforms, and the 'one in, one out' deal with France that has deported fewer than 200 people. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage seized on the numbers, calling the policy a 'complete disaster' and demanding the UK leave the European Convention on Human Rights to enable mass deportations. The statistics come amid growing voter frustration that has fueled support for Reform UK.