Domesday Live

Why are people crossing the Channel in small boats?

Most people crossing in small boats are asylum seekers who cannot get to the UK any other way, because there is almost no legal route to claim asylum from abroad. Smuggling gangs charge thousands of pounds for a place. The number rises in calm weather, and is well down on its peak (see below).

Why it happens

• No safe, legal route for most. In general a person has to be in the UK to claim asylum. There are a few schemes for particular nationalities, but not for most people fleeing conflict.
• Smugglers run the trade. Gangs organise crossings from northern France and charge thousands of pounds per person, and tightening one route moves them to another.
• Links and family. Some choose the UK for language, family and community ties, and because they cannot easily be returned to France or other countries once they arrive.
• Weather decides the pattern. Crossings are far more common in calm summer weather, so month-to-month swings say little about the trend.