More than 1,200 migrants have crossed the Channel in four days as three more boats head for Britain today

At least 78 migrants were picked up off Dover by Border Force vessel Defender before 6am on Sunday, with Border Force vessel Volunteer already carrying two more dinghy-loads and three further dinghies under French escort — meaning up to six boats could reach British waters today alone. The surge follows a 21-day pause caused by rough seas, with 934 migrants in 12 boats arriving Thursday and Friday before further crossings on Saturday pushed the four-day total beyond 1,200.
Footage from Friday's crossing shows a man wading to a dinghy holding a knife, shouting 'I will kill you' at those already aboard.
Migrants were filmed throwing punches and brawling to cram onto an overcrowded dinghy that nearly capsized before it left the French shore.
Tory critics said the surge proved Labour 'lost control of Britain's borders'; the government argues 2026's overall crossing total remains below 2025's figure.
