More than 400 migrants are feared to be crossing the Channel in small boats this morning.

French warships are tracking a number of dinghies off the coast of Calais and Dunkirk as smugglers exploit the hottest day of the year so far.

Dozens have already been intercepted, with hundreds more set to be brought to Ramsgate over the coming hours.

As many as 450 are believed to be currently on the water, which would make it the highest number of arrivals so far this year.

A senior maritime source told GB News: “It’s quite remarkable that we are now overtaking the totals for the last two years at this point in the year, given the atrocious weather in the Channel in these first two months of 2026.

“And the fact we are seeing huge numbers already gathering in the migrant camps tells you we’re likely to be in for another record year of arrivals.”

The outlet is suggesting 4,500 migrants are currently in makeshift camps in Calais and Dunkirk.

It comes as Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron faced fresh fury over the French police’s low interception rate.

Shocking analysis revealed two thirds of crossings are successful, prompting calls for the Prime Minister to stop paying Paris.

New figures claim French authorities stopped 22,476 migrants from crossing to the UK.

But the vast majority of these are believed to be linked to dinghies sinking, their engines breaking down, overcrowding leading to chaos on the boats and bad weather.

Reform’s Zia Yusuf warned the French President is “laughing at us” as migrants cross the Channel at “record pace”.

He said: “It’s ridiculous, but equally they are looking out for French interests.

“Macron is laughing at us because France has taken £700million of British taxpayers’ money with the express goal of stopping the boats.

“What’s happened? The boats are coming at a record pace. It’s a joke. France is laughing at us.

“Yes, I can condemn Macron. But, here’s the point, it’s British political leaders that are allowing this insane stuff to happen.

“My anger, and I think a lot of the anger of the British people, is directed at British politicians, frankly, who have betrayed their own people.”

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp added: “It is pathetic the French are allowing two-thirds of illegal immigrants to embark.

“Last summer, I witnessed French police ushering illegal immigrants on to a bus headed towards the departure points.

“We should not pay any more unless they start to take effective action.

“They should intercept all the boats near the French shore, which can easily and safely be done.”