The number of migrants arriving in the UK in small boats fell during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to figures released by the Home Office on Wednesday.
The latest data showed that arrivals via the English Channel were down 41% in the first six months of the year.
Figures dropping
The figures are likely to be welcomed by the Labour government as it seeks to reduce support for the anti-immigration Reform UK party, which has led opinion polls for several months.
The data were released as Prime Minister Keir Starmer entered the final weeks of his term, with veteran politician Andy Burnham expected to succeed him later this month.
Around 11,884 migrants arrived in the UK between January and June, down from 19,982 during the same period in 2025, according to Home Office figures.
The total was also 12% lower than the 13,489 arrivals recorded in the first half of 2024, when the Conservative Party was in government.
Deals with other countries
The Labour government has signed a number of agreements with other countries aimed at reducing the number of irregular migrants reaching the UK by small boat.
In April, it agreed a three-year deal with the French authorities worth £662 million to support beach patrols as part of efforts to reduce Channel crossings.
In July 2025, the UK also signed an agreement with Germany under which Berlin committed to cracking down on storage facilities used by people-smuggling gangs to conceal components for small boats.
The government has also reached an agreement with Iraq aimed at speeding up the return of migrants with no legal right to remain in the UK.
System overhaul
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is also seeking to overhaul the asylum system to deter irregular crossings, including by introducing temporary refugee status, a proposal that has been criticised by charities.
Reform UK's lead in national opinion polls has narrowed in recent months as the party has come under greater scrutiny, with leader Nigel Farage facing pressure over a £5 million donation.
A YouGov poll published on Tuesday showed Labour gaining ground amid the prospect of Burnham becoming prime minister, with Reform UK's lead narrowing to four percentage points.
Starmer announced his resignation on 22 June after losing the support of Labour MPs.
Burnham is expected to become Labour leader, and therefore prime minister, in mid-July if he is not challenged for the post.
The next UK general election is not scheduled to take place before 2029.
