Weather blamed for small boat arrivals under Labour passing 20,000

Home secretary to highlight data showing record number of calm autumnal days that made Channel crossings likely

The number of small boat arrivals since Keir Starmer took power has passed 20,000, with the Home Office claiming a record number of calm autumnal days in the Channel was responsible.

A 31-day period in October and November had the highest ratio of so-called red days" - when weather conditions make crossings likely or very likely - since records began in 2018, according to a leaked analysis.