Understanding the rise in Channel crossings
Article
These Channel crossings pose serious risks to the safety of those making the journey, and it can be deadly.
The UK government has responded to the rise in Channel crossings with a series of highly controversial and contested policy announcements. In this briefing paper, we aim to explore the reasons for the increase in small boat arrivals to help form a firmer basis for a humane and effective policy response.
This briefing draws on interviews with key experts and stakeholders – including those with lived experience of crossing the Channel in small boats – as well as analysis of Home Office data. It sets out some of the potential factors explaining the recent rise, gives an overview of the government's approach up till now and assesses its potential implications. It also sets out some potential ways forward, which we intend to explore and assess in more detail in our final report for this project.
Related items
Realism and progress: How should the UK think about international policy in 2024?
Given the current polls, the Labour party looks set to form the next government. It has taken the temperature of the country and, whereas in 1997 its leaders put hope at the heart of their campaign, this time they have chosen to focus on…Rock bottom: Low investment in the UK economy
The UK’s investment performance is still worse than every other G7 country, new data shows.There is an alternative to traditional ways of delivering social and economic value
Our new report An alternative is possible: Measuring the impact of cooperatives puts forward a new framework for measuring the value that cooperative organisations deliver to local economies.