230 in One Boat: Channel Crossings Shatter Records as Reform's Navy Plan Faces Reality Check

A record 230 people crossed the English Channel in a single small boat early Monday, obliterating the previous high of 165 set just last month. The Home Office condemned the "reckless and dangerous tactics" of criminal gangs, while noting that overall crossings are down 43% compared to the same period last year, with 14,819 arrivals so far in 2026. The government continues to pledge it will "smash the gangs" behind the crossings.

Off the Record

The timing is...