Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing increasing pressure over the rising number of illegal immigrants arriving in the United Kingdom, with critics accusing his government of failing to address what some describe as an immigration crisis. The issue has gained prominence following a record influx last Wednesday, when 752 illegal entrants arrived in nine separate boats, marking the highest daily total this year and surpassing a previous record set just weeks earlier.

The surge has intensified scrutiny of Burnham’s approach to immigration policy, especially as broader European concerns mount. Italy recently reinstated border controls on travellers from Spain, temporarily suspending the Schengen free-movement rules, in response to an influx of around 60,000 migrants attempting to enter through the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. This move has been supported by 22 Schengen countries, which have jointly called on European Union authorities for an urgent summit to address the immigration situation.

Several European nations, including Germany, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands, are pursuing plans to transfer asylum seekers to third countries for processing. Italy has already initiated such an arrangement with Albania. Germany’s hardening stance follows a series of recent attacks, including one at Berlin’s Pride Festival, which have heightened concerns about security and migration policies.

In the UK, the government’s previous Conservative administration under Rishi Sunak had established a controversial arrangement to relocate some asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing. This agreement was subsequently revoked by the Labour government on its first day in office, a decision that has drawn criticism from opposition parties and immigration control advocates.

Political parties on the right, including the Conservatives, Reform, and Restore, have advocated for measures such as withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights, repealing the Human Rights Act, and revising the 1951 Refugee Convention to enhance the government’s ability to manage illegal immigration. In contrast, Labour, under both Keir Starmer and now Burnham, as well as other left-leaning parties, have rejected these proposals. Labour officials emphasize the importance of maintaining human rights protections and support expanded legal routes for migration.

Burnham’s administration is reportedly considering easing the Home Secretary’s policy requiring a 10-year residency period to qualify for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Additionally, Labour backbenchers continue to advocate for a youth free-movement scheme with Europe, an increase in safe and legal channels for migration, and measures to reduce the backlog of immigration cases—steps opponents argue could effectively expedite settlement for many immigrants.

While the government faces calls to implement more stringent controls and detention measures, Burnham has so far avoided framing immigration as a priority issue, prompting some public and political frustration. Observers suggest that the prime minister’s reluctance to confront the matter directly may become a significant challenge as immigration figures rise and European neighbours escalate their responses.