Small boat crossings in first half of year up 48%

The number of small boat crossings across the English Channel has increased by 48% in the first half of the year, with nearly 20,000 people arriving in the UK via this route. The surge in migration crossings is attributed to factors like clear weather and the involvement of people smugglers. The UK government and opposition Labour party are implementing measures to combat people smuggling, while the situation is becoming a key discussion point between the UK and France.