The Channel crisis has seen the longest gap between arrivals for nearly four years after no small boats reached Britain for 17 days.
Official figures show the most recent arrival was a single dinghy with 55 people aboard on December 16.
The 17 days between then and Tuesday mark the longest gap between boats since 2020, when no boats arrived for 25 days over February and March.
It is thought there were no arrivals yesterday – the 18th day in a row – but official confirmation is still awaited.
The latest pause is due to recent dangerous conditions in the Channel, compounded by Storm Gerrit shortly after Christmas and Tuesday’s Storm Henk, which brought gusts of up to 94mph off the Isle of Wight.
No small boats have arrived in Britain for the last 17 days, with the most recent crossing on December 16 (File Image)
But the Government insists the longer-term drop in numbers is not due to the weather. Arrivals fell to 29,437 last year from a record 45,755 in 2022, despite there being almost as many ‘good sailing days’ in 2023.
But latest Home Office forecasts indicate this year’s arrivals could hit 35,000 unless Rwanda asylum removals begin. Border Force documents suggest a large influx of migrants who have arrived through the European Union’s borders in recent months will make their way to the Channel, the Daily Telegraph reported.
In a worst-case scenario, the figure could be 50,000. But projections have been wildly inaccurate in the past. Early last year it was forecast that up to 80,000 migrants would arrive in 2023 – more than two and a half times the eventual outcome.
Earlier this week, Home Secretary James Cleverly set a target to cut Channel small boats to zero this year.
Home Office forecasts indicate this year’s arrivals could hit 35,000 unless Rwanda asylum removals begin (File Image)
The Rwanda scheme, which will see irregular migrants sent to east Africa to claim asylum, remains in legal limbo after it was declared unlawful by the Supreme Court in November.
Rishi Sunak has brought forward legislation which he believes will resolve the court’s objections. However, the Prime Minister faces a battle to get the Safety of Rwanda Bill through Parliament.
Illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson said: ‘This Government is determined to tackle illegal migration, and we are completely committed to stopping the boats.’
The Home Office said it has taken ‘robust action to crack down on vile people-smuggling gangs and deter migrants from making dangerous crossings’.