The number of migrants entering British waters via English Channel crossings has surpassed 25,000 arrivals at the earliest point in any year since records began, as the government struggles to tackle people-smuggling operations, PA Media reported on July 31.

Some 898 migrants made the journey across the Channel in 13 boats, bringing 2025's total to 25,436 according to Home Office data, representing a 51% increase from the same period last year when 16,842 had arrived.

The gangmasters of the boats are believed to be mainly from northern Iraq's Kurdistan region, with many operating remotely from the territory, according to British government announcements previously following visits by officials to meet with Iraqi officials. 

The milestone was reached on July 31, significantly earlier than in previous years when the 25,000 figure was passed on September 22 in 2024 and October 2 in 2023, PA reported.

This year's surge coincides with larger numbers travelling in individual vessels, with an average of 59 people per boat in 2025 compared to 53 in 2024 and 49 in 2023, marking the highest density on record.

Before the data release, British Reform MP and party leader Nigel Farage wrote on the social media platform X, "898 illegals crossed the English Channel yesterday. This means more hotels, costs, and people who should not be here. The public have had ENOUGH!"

Earlier in July, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to intensify cooperation against illegal migration gangs during a summit at Downing Street, pledging new tactics to tackle Channel crossings, British state broadcaster, IntelliNews, previously reported.

The government attempted to address the crossings through measures, including a migrant returns agreement with France agreed earlier this month, though the "one in, one out" pilot programme allowing Britain to send migrants back to France in exchange for asylum seekers with UK connections has yet to commence.

"We all agree that the situation in the Channel cannot go on as it is, so we're bringing new tactics into play and a new intent to tackle illegal migration and break the business model of the criminal gangs," Starmer said during the opening session.

The gangs mainly controlled by Iraqi, Syrian and Iranian Kurds have become a major issue for the British government, with pressure coming from the Farage-led Reform party to tackle the so-called "small boats" issue as it has been dubbed in the UK.