Britain's asylum claims hit highest level since 1979

LONDON -- The number of asylum seekers in Britain reached a record high in 2024, the highest since official records began in 1979, according to Home Office data published Thursday.

A total of 108,138 people claimed asylum in 2024, marking an increase of 18 percent from 2023 and nearly twice the figure from 2021. The surge coincided with a 25 percent rise in small boat arrivals compared to 2023.

A Downing Street spokesman told the BBC that while there are "no quick fixes" to the "global" problem of illegal migration, the government has a "serious long-term plan to restore order to the asylum system."

The nation aims to strengthen relations with European partners to combat illegal migration. According to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the UK will work with its European allies to share intelligence, data and expertise and put the gangs out of business to tackle illegal migration "at source."

In November, Starmer announced an additional 75 million British pounds ($94.5 million) to combat human smuggling. The extra funding brings Britain's total investment in its new Border Security Command to 150 million pounds over the next two years. The money will support specialist investigators and enhanced surveillance equipment.