Migrants who have successfully crossed the English Channel to the UK are encouraging friends and family in France to follow suit, with several saying they are keen to cash in on Britain’s generosity. The trend contributes to the ongoing surge in small boat crossings, with more than 36,000 individuals making the perilous journey in 2024 alone, and more than 6,500 so far this year.

Ahmed, a 28-year-old Kuwaiti migrant, has attempted the crossing seven times without success. He remains undeterred, telling The Sun: "It is my dream to get to the UK. My family and friends are paying for my journey from Kuwait." Ahmed believes that in the UK, he will obtain the necessary documentation and find employment in his field as a programmer.

Similarly, Ali Mohammed, a 40-year-old Yemeni migrant, has been in France for two months - but is likewise determined to reach these shores.

He explained: "I hear many good things about the UK. A lot of people I know are there, and they say they are being treated well.”

Ali complained of feeling neglected by the French authorities - but believes the British Government and people will offer better support and care. ​

Their testimony highlights a broader pattern whereby migrants in the UK communicate with those still in France, encouraging them to undertake the illegal and hazardous journey.

Such word-of-mouth apparently acts as a magnet, reinforcing perceptions of the UK as a more welcoming destination - or Treasure Island, as it is sometimes referred to.

In 2024, 36,816 migrants crossed the English Channel to the UK, a 25% surge from 2023 and making it the second-highest year on record since data collection began in 2018. Cumulatively, more than 150,000 individuals have made the journey since 2018. ​The figure for 2025, as of Saturday, stands at 6,642 so far.

Those attempting the voyage are apparently undaunted by the risk - in 2024, the French coastguard reported 53 deaths among those attempting the crossing, making it the deadliest year on record. Nevertheless, the prospect of better living conditions and support in the UK continues to draw migrants.​

In response to the escalating crisis, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Monday convened a summit with representatives from over 40 countries to address illegal migration and human smuggling.

The UK Government announced £33 million in funding to establish an international unit within the Crown Prosecution Service, focusing on prosecuting smugglers.

The initiative aims to enhance border security, implement stricter right-to-work checks, and foster international cooperation to dismantle smuggling networks.

The situation is further complicated by the resumption of sales of inflatable boats and life jackets in local Decathlon stores near Calais.

Such items are frequently used by migrants attempting the crossing, sometimes with lethal consequences.

Meanwhile, Britain signed a deal with Serbia aimed at speeding up intelligence-sharing to disrupt people-smuggling last, it was announced on Wednesday.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy ratifed the "co-operation agreement", first announced by Sir Keir five months ago at the European Political Community summit in Hungary, when he visited the Western Balkans this week.

The region is a key transit route through which migrants travel to the European Union and UK, accounting for almost 22,000 irregular border crossings into the continent recorded last year, according to the Foreign Office.

Russia has also long vied for influence in the region, which includes three Nato allies in Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro, and its stability is seen by the Government as key to European security.

During his visit Mr Lammy met his counterparts to sign the agreement and hear directly from women who have survived human trafficking.