If PM doesn’t get grip of this crisis, more will die

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 31, 2026

Conservative MP Chris Philp visited northern France beaches and witnessed groups of migrants attempting dangerous crossings to the UK amid rising Channel crossings and recent fatalities. He called for stricter immigration policies, including leaving the European Convention on Human Rights to expedite deportations, aiming to deter future attempts and reduce loss of life.

The issue of Channel crossings by migrants has intensified in recent weeks, with growing concerns over safety and border control. Chris Philp, Conservative MP for Croydon South and Shadow Home Secretary, visited the beaches of northern France this week and described witnessing chaotic scenes as groups of migrants boarded small boats to attempt the dangerous crossing to the United Kingdom.

According to Philp, the Prime Minister’s recent assertions that efforts to curb small boat crossings are succeeding do not align with the reality on the ground. He noted that just hours after the Prime Minister’s statement, four people died during one of the busiest days for Channel crossings this year. Since the current Prime Minister took office, approximately 1,500 migrants have reached the southern coast of England, with numbers surging again following a recent lull caused by rough seas.

During his visit, Philp followed a group of around 100 migrants, primarily young men from Africa, as they moved from a woodland camp through several miles of beach to the water’s edge. French gendarmes were present but reportedly refrained from intervening, citing orders not to take physical action to prevent the migrants from crossing. Philp identified a suspected smuggler involved in organising the crossing but said French authorities declined to arrest him despite the instance being recorded on camera.

Philp argued that the core issue driving these dangerous crossings is a system of incentives that encourages migrants to attempt the journey. He said many are willing to take the risk because of the prospect of accommodation, financial support, employment opportunities, and the low likelihood of deportation if they reach the UK.

The Conservative response proposed by Philp includes leaving the European Convention on Human Rights to enable faster deportations of illegal immigrants, potentially within one week of arrival. The plan also involves banning illegal migrants from claiming asylum or making other legal challenges such as modern slavery claims, legal aid, or court actions aimed at preventing removal. The intent is to create a deterrent effect, discouraging migrants from attempting the crossing at all.

Philp pointed to Australia’s policies introduced 13 years ago as an example of how such measures can significantly reduce boat arrivals. He stated that only the Conservative Party currently has a comprehensive plan to address the ongoing crisis and emphasized the urgency of implementing these measures to prevent further loss of life later this summer.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.