Politics · 23 July 2026
Why small boat crossings continue despite new government pledges
Unsplash / Aleksey Malinovski
Small boat crossings are continuing because people are fleeing war, famine, and oppressive governments, with nearly half of those arriving in 2024 from Afghanistan, Syria, and Iran. Increased security on other routes, like lorries and the Eurotunnel, has also pushed migrants towards boat crossings, and smuggling gangs have become more professional.
Reported by Independent · How we write briefs