GB News’s Home and Security Editor, Mark White, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating migrant crisis in the English Channel. As of today, October 10, 2025, the number of illegal crossings has reached 35,400, with projections indicating that the total could surpass the 2024 record of 36,800 “by tomorrow or in the coming days” (GB News).
White highlighted recent footage showing migrants assembling on Gravelines beach in northern France, preparing to cross the Channel. Despite efforts by French police to deter these crossings—including the use of pepper spray—at least 70 individuals managed to board a dinghy and set off toward Dover (GB News).
This surge in crossings has prompted renewed scrutiny of the UK government’s response. White noted that the current rate of arrivals is alarming, especially as it nears the previous year’s total. He also pointed to a recent raid by French police on a large migrant encampment in Calais, known as the “Orange Squat,” which had been highlighted by GB News in July. The operation involved clearing out the encampment and destroying the site, underscoring the growing concerns over migrant activity in the region (GB News).
The situation remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring developments to address the challenges posed by this ongoing crisis.
GB News Home and Security Editor Mark White has issued a stark warning that the UK’s migrant crisis is poised to reach a grim milestone, with projections indicating that the number of illegal crossings could surpass the 2024 record of 36,800 “by tomorrow or in the coming days.” As of October 10, 2025, the total stands at 35,400, with a significant surge in recent days.
Case Studies Highlighting the Crisis
1. ‘Orange Squat’ in Calais
A large migrant warehouse encampment, known as the ‘Orange Squat,’ was raided and dismantled by French police in early October. Located in the Marcel-Doret area of Calais, the squat housed over 100 predominantly young Sudanese men. The operation followed GB News’s coverage, which highlighted concerns over growing criminality and violence in the area. Authorities cleared the site without incident, but the raid underscored the escalating situation (GB News).
2. Migrants Boarding Dinghies in Gravelines
Footage from Gravelines beach in northern France shows migrants assembling and boarding overcrowded dinghies to cross the Channel. Despite efforts by French police to deter these crossings—including the use of pepper spray—at least 70 individuals managed to embark on the journey toward Dover. This incident highlights the challenges faced by authorities in controlling the flow of migrants (GB News).
3. Afghan Asylum Seeker Deemed a Child
In a notable case, an Afghan asylum seeker with grey hair was ruled to be 15 years old by a UK tribunal, despite appearing older. The tribunal attributed his appearance to the stress of his journey from Afghanistan. This decision raises questions about the criteria used to assess the age of asylum seekers and the implications for immigration policy (GB News).
4. ‘Mega Dinghy’ Crossing
In a record-setting event, 125 migrants crossed the Channel in a single ‘mega dinghy.’ This incident not only set a new record for the number of people on a single boat but also tragically coincided with the death of a child who fell off a small boat during a crossing. The incident underscores the perilous nature of these crossings and the urgent need for effective intervention (GB News).
5. Mental Health Initiatives for Migrants
In response to the growing number of migrants, the UK Home Office has implemented mental health and wellbeing programs for those staying in taxpayer-funded hotels. These initiatives include activities such as orchestra training, cooking lessons, and the provision of Afghan food to cater to cultural preferences. While aimed at supporting migrants’ mental health, these programs have sparked debate over their appropriateness and cost (GB News).
These case studies illustrate the multifaceted challenges posed by the ongoing migrant crisis, encompassing issues of border control, asylum procedures, humanitarian support, and public expenditure.