The United Kingdom’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has warned that human trafficking gangs facilitating dangerous crossings are evolving their tactics in response to increased law enforcement efforts. Speaking to the Home Affairs Committee, Mahmood highlighted that criminals are now seeking alternative launch points for migrant dinghies beyond the traditional departure areas near Calais, including new routes from Belgium and Normandy.

Mahmood emphasized the government’s commitment to intensifying measures against trafficking networks and stressed the need for authorities to adapt their strategies as swiftly as these gangs shift their operations. Her remarks come amid ongoing challenges related to irregular migration across the English Channel, with thousands of migrants attempting to reach British shores by small boats.

The government’s “one in, one out” agreement with France, which involves returning one migrant for every one who successfully crosses to the UK, has faced scrutiny over its financial and operational effectiveness. Mahmood disclosed that the arrangement is costing approximately £56,000 per migrant annually. However, she defended the expenditure, noting it is comparable to the cost of housing individuals in hotels for the same duration.

Some members of Parliament have expressed skepticism about the deal’s value. Conservative MP Robbie Moore pointed to data showing that between August 2025 and June 2026, nearly 28,000 migrants arrived in the UK via small boats, while only around 1,087 migrants were returned to France during that period. He added that the UK admitted more migrants under the agreement than it sent back.

In response, Mahmood maintained that the numbers of migrants entering and departing the UK under the scheme have remained roughly balanced. Meanwhile, separate reports continue to allege that French police have at times failed to intervene, allowing migrants to be escorted toward boats unhindered.

The government faces ongoing pressure to manage the flow of migrants while addressing concerns about the cost and efficacy of cross-border arrangements. Mahmood reiterated that tackling trafficking gangs and disrupting crossing attempts require dynamic and coordinated responses on both sides of the Channel.