Record 165 Migrants Arrive in UK via Mega-Dinghy

A record-breaking 13-meter inflatable boat, described as a mega-dinghy, carrying 165 migrants arrived in Dover on July 24, 2026. This vessel surpassed a previous record of 128 people set just one week earlier. In total, 366 people arrived in three boats on Thursday, following 172 arrivals on Wednesday after an 11-day weather hiatus. These arrivals mark the first crossings since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister.

Smuggling tactics have evolved as gangs shift departure points to Belgium to avoid congested coastlines in Calais, France. The Home Office attributed the increasing danger to smuggling gangs cramming people into unseaworthy vessels and cited a new deal with France to increase beach enforcement. However, the charity Care4Calais argued that focusing on border security has made crossings more perilous, noting a recent death on a beach in Berck.

Prime Minister Burnham is facing criticism for failing to present a definitive plan to address the migrant crisis. Simultaneously, he has encountered scrutiny over cabinet appointments, specifically the selection of Louise Haigh, a convicted fraudster, as First Secretary of State and the appointment of Angela Rayner as Housing Secretary.