Immigration remains one of the most pressing issues facing our country today. I share the concerns about tackling this challenge effectively and ensuring our borders are secure. I’m worried about the impact this is having on housing, GP appointments, school places, and access to other public services when they can see their communities growing quickly in numbers and our services already overburdened. The need to send a clear message to people smugglers and those considering crossing the channel illegally cannot be overstated: do not do it.
Over the past few years, we've seen a worrying rise in illegal small boat crossings. While there was a notable decrease in these arrivals by a third in 2023, down to 29,500, the issue remains urgent. Since the start of 2024, more than 10,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats. These journeys are not only illegal and dangerous but also unnecessary, placing strain on our public services and housing, and imposing significant costs on the taxpayer.
To address this, we introduced the Illegal Migration Act, a piece of legislation that means if individuals arrive here illegally, they will not be able to claim asylum in the UK. This is crucial as it means that 90% of arrivals who claimed asylum in 2022, would have their claim heard in another safe third country, including Rwanda. The Safety of Rwanda Act is not just about relocation, but it's a vital deterrent. This legislation has already begun to take effect, with the Home Office detaining those identified for the first flight. I look forward to the first flight departing in July, which will send a strong message that those who arrive illegally to the UK will not be allowed to stay.
Illegal immigration is just one part of this issue, we have also had huge issues with net migration, such as those coming to the UK to study and bringing their family with them. This brings a large influx in arrivals, with net migration in the year to December 2023 was at 685,000. This is far too high and is totally unsustainable at the current levels. This is equivalent of adding a population two and a half times the size of the whole of Medway each year. That is why we are introducing the toughest ever reforms to our migration system, aiming to cut the number of people coming to the UK by 300,000 each year. Recent data has already seen this working with a significant decrease in visa entries and a dramatic drop in the number of dependents accompanying students to the UK, down almost 80%.
Even more concerning is Labour's stance on immigration. They've voted against tougher measures 139 times and 126 times to block, delay, or weaken our plans to stop the boats. What's even more worrying is Labour's intention to scrap the Rwanda plan, despite its deterrence. Furthermore, there are indications that Labour would have the UK join an EU-wide returns agreement, in turn, increasing net migration by almost 130,000 per year. Additionally, Labour's plan to allow care workers to bring their dependents to the UK could further raise net migration by 120,000. Altogether, Labour's open-door immigration policy could bring an additional 250,000 migrants to Britain annually if they become are elected.
I have consistently pressured the Government to strengthen our borders and will continue to do so. We must protect our public services and ensure that our immigration system serves the interests of the British people. I know we can build a fair, controlled, and effective immigration system and stop the boats.