More than 1,300 migrants have illegally crossed the English Channel in the past five days, according to GB News.

This surge in arrivals comes after a break in the storms that had affected the Channel for the past two months. At least 180 migrants reached UK waters today, following 326 arrivals in six small boats yesterday. Just a day prior, 182 migrants made the journey, while Sunday saw a record-breaking March arrival of 592 migrants in 11 small boats.

The increase in crossings raises further concerns about the Government’s "smash the gangs" policy, eight months after Labour took office. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has allocated millions in additional funding to the Government's Border Security Command and boosted resources for the National Crime Agency.

Despite multiple arrests of suspected people smugglers in the UK and across Europe, the number of crossings has not declined. Since January 1, over 3,400 migrants have arrived—nearly 20% more than the 2,990 recorded at the same time last year. The total number of arrivals in 2024 was 36,816, marking a 25% increase from the previous year.

A maritime security source told GB News, “It’s obvious that the ‘smash the gangs’ policy isn’t working. We’ve had eight months of a Labour government and increased law enforcement efforts, yet crossings haven’t decreased. The only thing regulating numbers is the weather. Without recent storms, the figures would be even higher.”

A Home Office spokesperson reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling illegal crossings, stating: “We all want to end dangerous small boat crossings, which put lives at risk and undermine border security. People-smuggling gangs have no regard for human life—they only care about money. We will stop at nothing to dismantle their operations and bring them to justice.”