Home Secretary orders review after migrant boats reach Kent coast

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has initiated an urgent review into how two small boats reached the Kent coast this week without being intercepted by Border Force. The review by Border Security Command will examine the circumstances of the landings.

On Tuesday afternoon, a boat arrived on the beach at Samphire Hoe, Dover. Border Security Command officers, working with Kent police, detained 21 individuals following this incident. The Home Office has not confirmed if further individuals are being sought.

Undetected Landings

The Dover landing follows a similar incident on Monday morning when a dinghy reached Folkestone. This was reported as the first officially recorded small boat arrival to the UK coast without an escort since September 6, 2025.

A Government spokesperson stated on Wednesday that officers had responded to an incident in Dover, resulting in 21 detentions. The spokesperson added that a thorough investigation was ongoing and declined further comment.

Death on French Coast

Separately, French authorities reported on Wednesday that the body of a man, appearing to be of African origin, was discovered on Neufchatel-Hardelot beach in northern France. The Boulogne-sur-Mer public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation.

Local media reports suggest the man, believed to be in his twenties, was found hours after a small boat departed for the UK. Other migrants hoping to make the journey were reportedly in the vicinity at the time.

Arrival Figures

This year, 17,480 migrants have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel by boat. This figure represents a 46% decrease compared to the same period last year. The total includes 5,011 arrivals since the current Prime Minister took office.