Leaked document shows boat slashing failed to stop migrants reaching UK

Coastguard log raises new concerns over safety and viability of flagship policy to intercept dinghies crossing Channel

New concerns about the safety and viability of the flagship UK-French policy to intercept migrant dinghies at sea have emerged after a coastguard log leaked to the Guardian revealed a recent boat-slashing incident that failed to stop people reaching the UK.

Despite the government's pledge to stop overcrowded dinghies crossing the Channel, the number of people arriving in the UK on small boats this year has increased by about 50% compared with the same period last year, with more than 21,000 crossing so far in 2025.