The UK is facing a new wave of migration crisis: the number of illegal arrivals is rising fact check
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1. Summary of the results
The claim that the UK is facing a new wave of migration crisis due to rising numbers of illegal arrivals is partially supported by some analyses, which report a significant number of people crossing the English Channel in small boats [1] [2]. For example, one source states that over 30,000 people have crossed the English Channel since the start of the year, with almost two-fifths of those who claimed asylum in the UK in the 12 months to June 2025 arriving via small boat [1]. Another source reports that over 1,000 people crossed the Channel to the UK in small boats in one day, with a record 32,103 people making the crossing so far in 2025 [2]. However, other analyses suggest that the number of people detected arriving by small boats has actually decreased by 21% compared to the previous year [3], which may contradict the claim of a new wave of migration crisis. It is also important to note that the vast majority of migrants to the UK are legal, with unauthorised migrants barely entitled to anything [4].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
A key missing context in the original statement is the distinction between different categories of migrants, including refugees, asylum seekers, students, and workers [4]. Additionally, the statement does not provide information on the push and pull factors driving migration to the UK, such as conflict, persecution, or economic opportunities [5]. Alternative viewpoints suggest that the UK's asylum system and rules surrounding asylum seekers may be contributing to the issue of small boat crossings [5], and that the government's efforts to address the issue, including a new treaty with France and increased enforcement measures, may not be entirely effective [6]. Furthermore, some sources highlight the importance of considering the humanitarian aspects of the migration crisis, including the risks and vulnerabilities faced by migrants [3]. It is also worth noting that the number of people seeking asylum in the UK has increased by 1% [3], which may be related to the migration crisis.
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original statement may be exaggerating or misrepresenting the scale and nature of the migration crisis, as some analyses suggest that the number of people detected arriving by small boats has decreased [3]. The statement may also be lacking in context, as it does not provide information on the different categories of migrants or the push and pull factors driving migration to the UK [4] [5]. The statement may be benefiting those who seek to politicize the issue of migration, such as politicians or media outlets seeking to stir up public concern or outrage [2] [1]. On the other hand, the statement may also be hurting the interests of migrants and asylum seekers, who may be stigmatized or demonized as a result of the statement's emphasis on "illegal arrivals" [4]. Additionally, the statement may be oversimplifying the complex issues surrounding migration, which could lead to misinformed policy decisions [6].