The UK Home Office released figures suggesting good weather and overcrowded boats are driving record migrant Channel crossings, leading to accusations from opposition parties (Conservatives and Reform) that the government is 'blaming the weather' for its failure to control borders. The figures show a significant increase in 'red days' and 'severely overcrowded boats'.
Government accused of blaming record crossings on the weather
Refugees and asylum seekers
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The UK Home Office released figures suggesting good weather and overcrowded boats are driving record migrant Channel crossings, leading to accusations from opposition parties (Conservatives and Reform) that the government is 'blaming the weather' for its failure to control borders. The figures show a significant increase in 'red days' and 'severely overcrowded boats'.
Trending- 1 2021–22: 1,116 total small boats recorded.
- 2 Year to April 2023: 1 boat recorded with 80 or more people.
- 3 Year before (to April 2024): 11 boats recorded with 80 or more people.
- 4 Last year: A record number of people died attempting to cross the Channel in small boats.
- 5 2024-25: There were 190 'red days' (an 80% increase on the previous year), the highest number since records began.
- 6 Year to April 2025: There were 33 boats recorded which carried 80 or more people on board.
- 7 This year (so far): 14,812 people have arrived in small boats, up about 40% on the same period last year.
- 8 Saturday: Almost 1,200 people arrived in small boats.
- 9 Recently: The Home Office released the 'red day' figures, the first official release of this kind.
- 10 Recently: The Conservatives and Reform parties accused the government of 'blaming the weather'.
- The debate intensifies political scrutiny on the government's immigration policies.
- The increase in overcrowded boats has led to a record number of deaths among migrants attempting to cross the Channel.
What: The UK government (Home Office) released figures linking good weather and overcrowded boats to record migrant Channel crossings, leading to accusations from opposition parties (Conservatives, Reform) that it is 'blaming the weather' for the increase.
When: 2024-25 (red days peaked, rise in overcrowded boats), 12 months to April 2025 (190 red days), this year (40% increase in crossings), Saturday (almost 1,200 arrivals), year to April 2025 (33 boats with 80+ people), year before (11 boats with 80+ people), year to April 2023 (1 boat with 80+ people), 2021–22 (1,116 total boats), last year (record deaths).
Where: English Channel, United Kingdom, France.
Why: The Home Office is attempting to explain the record number of migrant crossings by highlighting environmental factors (good weather) and people smugglers' tactics (overcrowding). Opposition parties accuse the government of deflecting blame for policy failures.
How: The Home Office published 'red day' figures and data on overcrowded boats. Opposition politicians made public statements. BBC Verify consulted an expert for analysis.