More 20,000 people arrived in the UK in the first half of this year by crossing the English Channel in small boats. That figure is up 48 percent on the first six months of 2024. The number is especially high at this time of year, because of the warm summer weather and calmer waters. Efforts to crack down on illegal immigration will be among the issues discussed this week as French President Emmanuel Macron makes a state visit to the UK. French police face resistance from migrants determined to complete the last step in the journey, and reach the UK.