Brits Disgusted as Record Number of Migrants Cross Channel in First Half of 2024

The number of migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the Channel has reached a new record for the first six months of the year, prompting widespread outrage among British citizens.

According to Home Office figures, 257 people made the perilous journey in four boats on Sunday, bringing the provisional total for the year to a staggering 12,901. This surpasses the previous record of 12,747 arrivals from January to June 2022. In the first half of 2023, the total stood at 11,433.

The 2024 figures are notably 17% higher than the number of arrivals recorded by this time last year (11,058) and up 8% on the same period in 2022 (11,975).

Last year, a total of 29,437 migrants arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel, a significant drop of 36% from the record 45,774 in 2022. However, this year’s mid-year record has sparked renewed frustration and anger among the British public.

Since the General Election was called on May 22, more than 3,000 arrivals have been recorded (3,019), making immigration a pivotal issue in the ongoing political campaigns.

Data shows that over the past six and a half years, as the migrant crisis has unfolded, 127,246 people have crossed the Channel to reach the UK. A staggering 82,265 of these crossings have occurred since the Government's attempt to implement a controversial deal to send migrants to Rwanda in April 2022, which remains stalled.

Nearly 50,000 migrants have made the journey since Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who vowed to “stop the boats,” assumed office in October 2022, with the current tally at 49,964.

The record-breaking figures have ignited a wave of disgust among British citizens. Many are demanding more decisive action from the government to address the crisis. “It’s completely unacceptable. We need stronger borders and tougher policies,” said a resident of Dover, a town heavily impacted by the migrant crossings.

Critics argue that the government's strategies have been ineffective and call for immediate and robust measures to control the influx. "The current policies are clearly not working. We need a comprehensive plan that addresses the root causes and prevents these dangerous crossings," said an immigration policy expert.

The issue of illegal migration continues to dominate political discourse, with parties across the spectrum grappling with how to handle the escalating situation. As the General Election approaches, the pressure mounts on leaders to present viable solutions that resonate with a frustrated electorate.

As the debate rages on, the British public remains divided, with many calling for compassion and support for asylum seekers, while others demand stringent controls to protect national security and resources. The government faces an uphill battle to balance these concerns and restore public confidence in their ability to manage the crisis effectively.