Crossings of small boats to UK in August fall to lowest since 2019

UK home secretary Yvette Cooper has announced a sharp drop in the number of small boat arrivals in August, hailing it as evidence Labour’s plan to “smash the gangs” is having an effect despite the number of irregular migrants reaching the UK running at record levels so far in 2025. The number of small boats crossing the English Channel fell to 55 last month, down from 75 for the same period last year, the Home Office said on Monday. The figure was the lowest total since 2019 when it stood at 34. Cooper, who is under pressure as protests over...