Since Keir Starmer took office as UK Prime Minister in July 2024, over 50,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats, according to official Home Office data. The milestone was reached in just 401 days, a faster pace compared to previous administrations, with crossings up nearly 50% from the same period last year. On August 11 alone, 474 migrants arrived by small boats, bringing the total to 50,271. The increase follows the implementation of Starmer's 'one in, one out' deal with France, which has not stemmed the rise in crossings. The Labour government has faced criticism for a drop in people smuggling arrests despite pledges to crack down on trafficking gangs. Additionally, 19 migrants have died attempting the crossing so far this year. The surge in arrivals has raised concerns about the strain on public resources, with reports noting a rise in Universal Credit claimants by more than one million since Labour took power, reaching a record eight million. The government has been accused of deflecting blame for the ongoing migrant influx, while opposition figures have called the situation an 'abject failure.'