Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated his government is working to regain control of Britain's borders, a commitment he made following more than 2,000 reported illegal migrant crossings via small boats into the UK since he took office.
Burnham visited Dover to observe operations at the country's migrant command center, emphasizing his administration's intent to address the issue directly. "We have to deal with the issue rather than play politics with the issue. Just deal with it head on, grip it, and then make the changes that will bring that reassurance to the public," Burnham stated. He added that the public perception of uncontrolled borders is a concern and that the government aims to restore that control while providing support for those genuinely in need.
"It's about changing the whole approach, and slowly but surely we are putting in place those building blocks of a very different approach to this issue. It's working, but there's more to be done," he added.
In response, the Conservative party criticized Burnham's approach, labeling him as "too weak" to halt the crossings and advocating for a plan to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp noted that over 2,000 migrants have crossed since Burnham became Prime Minister, bringing the year's total to 14,526. He also alleged that the gangs have not been dismantled as promised and that French authorities, funded by the UK, have not intervened to stop crossings.
Burnham's administration has highlighted an increase in border security personnel. Shabana Mahmood, continuing as Home Secretary, reported that the number of National Crime Agency (NCA) officers focused on organized immigration crime has more than doubled since the beginning of 2025, growing from 376 to nearly 800. These officers were involved in nearly 300 arrests last year, targeting people-smuggling operations.
According to the Home Office, NCA officers, collaborating with international partners, have also intercepted over 1,100 small boats and engines before they could be used for Channel crossings, potentially preventing up to 72,000 migrants from reaching the UK. Mahmood stated, "We have more than doubled the number of NCA officers working on immigration crime to tackle the gangs who profit from illegal small boat crossings. We have seized over a thousand boats and engines, arrested thousands of criminals, and stopped tens of thousands of attempted crossings. There is more to be done, but this Government is restoring control at our border."
Burnham also mentioned recent discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez regarding the situation in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the north coast of Africa. Burnham cited Sanchez's report that approximately 98% of those who entered have been returned to Morocco, while also noting broader implications for the Schengen Area and the UK's relationship with it.