The total for 2023 was 29,437 people, while 2022 is still the busiest year on record with 45,774 arrivals.

More than 150,000 people have made the journey since 2018.

According to French figures, 77 people are known to have died attempting the crossing in 2024.

Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: “The record number of deaths in the Channel this year should serve as a stark reminder that the current approach is not working.

“More safe and legal routes are needed to provide a lifeline for those fleeing war and persecution.

“The government needs to take a different approach if it is to ensure everything possible is done so that 2025 does not see a repeat of last year’s devastating loss.”