Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to a "relentless" strategy to reduce the number of individuals arriving in the UK via small boats.
"We are changing the whole approach," Burnham stated, noting that enforcement officers targeting people-smuggling operations have been doubled on both sides of the English Channel. The number of National Crime Agency (NCA) officers dedicated to this effort has risen to nearly 800, a significant increase from 376 at the beginning of 2025. French officers have also seen a similar increase.
Burnham emphasized that addressing the issue requires both enhanced enforcement and the creation of safe routes into the UK. "People want to see this issue addressed," he said in Dover. "We also need to build a system that offers safe routes for people as well, because that also takes away the selling point of the gangs."
The prime minister indicated that progress has been made, but acknowledged the need to regain control over the borders. "The public don't like the idea that the border looks like it's not controlled. We need to bring back that control. But also we need to offer support for people who genuinely need it."
Discussions surrounding the UK's immigration policies have intensified following a recent influx of migrants into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Burnham noted that 98% of those who reached Ceuta were returned to Morocco, which he described as handling the immediate situation. He also expressed a desire for ongoing dialogue with the European Union regarding the Schengen area and the UK's relationship with it.
Burnham stated his intention to "deal with the issue rather than play politics with the issue," aiming to shift the tone of the debate around small boat crossings.