Over 2,000 migrants cross Channel to UK since Burnham took power

The UK government reported that 2,076 migrants arrived on small boats since Labor leader Andy Burnham took office on July 20, replacing Keir Starmer. This number is a slight increase from the 1,962 arrivals during the same period last year.

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This Government is intensifying its efforts to reduce small boat crossings, with a record number of deportations of migrants who arrived this way and a 12% reduction in asylum applications.

Despite the recent surge, authorities noted that 14,526 migrants have arrived via this route since the start of the year. This represents a 43% decrease compared to the same period in 2025 and a 14% drop from 2024.

A government spokesperson emphasized intensified efforts to reduce small boat crossings, citing a record number of deportations and a 12% reduction in asylum applications. Nearly 70,000 individuals have been expelled or deported for being in the country illegally, an increase of 41%.

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We will continue to move forward to eliminate the incentives that attract irregular immigrants.

The spokesperson also highlighted a "historic agreement" with France to bolster beach surveillance and prosecute human trafficking networks. Prime Minister Burnham stated that the government's plan to curb irregular immigration "has started to yield results," though he acknowledged the need for continued efforts. He added that while this is the peak season for crossings, the total number of journeys has decreased, and deportations have increased.

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Although this is the busiest period of the year for crossings, the total number of journeys has decreased and the number of people expelled or returned has increased.