Fewer Migrant Boats in 2026, But Protests Get Bigger

Far fewer migrants crossed the English Channel by small boat in 2026 — down over 40% from 2025. Still, anti-migrant protests escalated. About 500 far-right activists blocked roads in Portsmouth on 6 September after 140 people seeking asylum arrived by dinghy — the second such protest that weekend. Online livestreams by Daniel Thomas's Patriot Platform helped drive turnout, suggesting protests may no longer track how many people actually arrive.