On Tuesday, GB News host Patrick Christys reported live from Calais, France, as he interviewed a Sudanese migrant about to make the dangerous journey across the channel to England. In 2024, 36,816 people were detected crossing the English Channel in small boats from France to England. Since the 2018 recording of these crossings began, over 150,000 have arrived in the UK by this route. This week, Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to cut net migration in the UK, but did not address illegal immigration in the white paper released by the Labour Party.

Patrick questioned the migrant’s decision to come to the UK instead of relocating to other countries. He asked, “What do you think is waiting for you in England?” In response, the man stated he had struggled living in France due to the language barrier and wanted to build a home in an English-speaking nation.

Patrick probed: “Are you hoping for a job in England? A house? Things like that? What do people tell you about England?”

The man replied: “You can understand the language, you stay with other people better than French. Sometimes here you can not get a job at first.” He added that he already knew a lot of people in the UK and it costs around “1500” to get there in a small boat.

In the comment section viewers shared their thoughts on the exchange, as one commented: “Well he said because of the way in South Sudan he couldn’t stay back. He also said speaking English is the only thing that is better off in the UK compared with Italy and France. So they are coming literally because they can understand English.”

Another replied: “He points out the language, odd, I’ve seen a number of this type of interview and never have they mentioned English. I wonder what Starmer said yesterday…”

A new offence of endangering lives at sea that was published earlier this year will carry a jail term of up to five years, and those convicted of acts in preparation for smuggling, such as buying boat parts, face up to 14 years in prison.

Separately, the government has issued guidance saying anyone entering the UK by an irregular route, such as a small boat crossing, will generally be refused citizenship. Previously, refugees who entered this way could apply for citizenship after 10 years.

Since 2018, 225 migrants have lost their lives attempting to cross the channel. The International Organisation for Migration, a UN agency that tracks the number of people who die trying to cross the Channel, said that at least 78 migrants died in 2024, making it the deadliest year on record.

Its figures include people who were travelling to a crossing point and died in other circumstances, such as car crashes or as a result of medical issues.