Prime Minister Andy Burnham has defended the government’s approach to managing illegal small-boat crossings of the English Channel, stating that the measures put in place by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood are proving effective despite a recent surge in arrivals. Burnham’s remarks come amid renewed scrutiny as nearly 900 migrants crossed into the UK by small boats during his first week in office, including one vessel carrying a record 165 passengers.
Burnham acknowledged that while the numbers can fluctuate, the overall volume of crossings is down significantly compared to the previous year. He highlighted statistics showing that approximately 13,007 migrants have arrived via the Channel so far in 2026, marking a 45 percent decrease from the same period in 2025. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government’s strategy, including a recently enhanced agreement with French authorities to prevent departures from their beaches, is producing results, though he conceded that more work is needed.
During a visit to Derby, Burnham was questioned about the perceived lack of public communication on the issue during his initial days in office. He responded by reaffirming his confidence in the Home Secretary’s “very rigorous” plan, stressing that relevant security checks on arrivals are being carried out. Burnham also recognized public concern over potential national security risks related to illegal migration but insisted that necessary precautions are in place.
However, criticism has come from opposition figures, notably Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, who accused Burnham of being “out of touch with reality.” Philp argued that despite the deal with France, recent scenes have shown French authorities failing to prevent crossings and even assisting migrants by distributing life jackets. According to Philp, weather conditions remain the main deterrent to crossings rather than policy effectiveness. He also expressed concern over the increasing use of “mega-dinghies,” which carry larger numbers of migrants in single trips, complicating border control efforts.
Opponents have further criticized Burnham for not articulating a new or distinct strategy from that of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, with some describing the current approach as a continuation of previous policies that have failed to stem the tide effectively. The rising costs associated with processing asylum claims have also drawn attention, with figures suggesting that each claim costs British taxpayers an average of £18,700.
The UK has reportedly allocated over £1 billion to France to assist with preventing Channel crossings, though outcomes have been described as limited. While government data reflects a year-on-year decline in arrivals, the recent heatwave and calmer Channel conditions have contributed to a temporary increase in crossings, underscoring the ongoing volatility of the situation.
As Burnham balances his broader domestic agenda, including economic growth and social care reform, the migrant crossings remain a significant challenge his administration has pledged to address in the coming weeks.