Head Of UN's Refugee Agency Puts The UK's Small Boat Arrivals In Perspective

An Border Force vessel delivers migrants to Dover port after intercepting a small boat crossing on December 17, 2025 in Dover, England.

The number of small boat migrants arriving on British shores pales in comparison to the number turning up to some other countries, the outgoing head of the United Nations’ refugee agency has said.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4′s Today programme, Filippo Grandi – who is leaving his post at the end of 2025 – hit out at those who claim there are too many people trying to come to the UK.