Figures released on Tuesday are expected to confirm that the number of small boat crossings from the date that Labour came to power on 5 July last year had reached 50,000 by Monday 11 August.
This is more than 13,000 higher than for the same period a year earlier – as between 5 July 2023 and 11 August 2024 there were 36,346 migrant crossings in small boats.
Government sources highlight this is not the first time 50,000 people have crossed the Channel during a 403-day period.
Between 8 October 2021 and 14 November 2022, under the Conservative government, there were 53,587 arrivals by small boat.
Government sources say there were an unusually high number of days with calm and warm weather at the start of this year, which partially drove high numbers.
But the Tories accused Labour of overseeing the “worst illegal immigration crisis in our history”.
“This is a taxpayer-funded ferry service for the people-smuggling trade. Every illegal immigrant should be removed immediately upon arrival,” said shadow home secretary Chris Philp.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “As I predicted five years ago, unless we deport illegal migrants the invasion will be huge. 50,000 since this weak prime minister took office and there is no sign of it stopping”.
The Home Office said it wants to end dangerous small boat crossings and had put together a “serious plan” to take down networks.
But politically the 50,000 milestone is deeply uncomfortable for the government, given its promise to smash the gangs that drive the small boat crossings.
More migrants crossed the Channel between January and August 2025 than in the same period last year.