More Than Half of Asylum Claims in UK Are Not Made by Small Boat Arrivals

Analysis of government figures shows over 50 percent of asylum applicants who entered the UK illegally came via other routes, including air and lorry.

Migrants arrive in the UK in an undated file photo. PA

More than half of those who claimed asylum in the UK over the last year did not arrive by small boat, figures show.

According to Home Office statistics, of the 97,390 illegal immigrants who made an asylum claim, 54 percent entered the country via air, concealed in lorries, or by other means.