Hundreds more small boat migrants have arrived in the UK during Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first week in office than during the initial seven days of Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, according to newly released figures.
At least 881 migrants arrived in Kent after crossing the English Channel in small boats over the weekend, marking the first week of Burnham's tenure. This contrasts with the 546 arrivals recorded during the first seven days of Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, which began on July 5, 2024. For comparison, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson saw only 35 arrivals during his first week in July 2019.
The increase in arrivals has intensified pressure on Prime Minister Burnham to address immigration, an issue frequently cited as a top concern for voters. He has not yet publicly detailed his plans for border security, despite several public appearances. His initial focus has been on initiatives such as reducing household energy bills, capping bus fares, and launching a new building initiative for Downing Street, which critics have labeled a "gimmick."
Burnham's upcoming speeches are scheduled to cover social care reform, youth unemployment, and the devolution of power. However, details regarding his strategy for border security remain unclear.
This surge in arrivals comes amid reports that some migrants may be fleeing incidents in France. On Thursday, a body was discovered on Terminus Beach in Berck-sur-Mer, the same day a boat carrying a record 165 migrants crossed the Channel. French authorities are investigating the death of the victim, believed to be in his 20s, who was found without identification. Witnesses reported an argument and fight in the dunes where the stabbing occurred, with those believed to be responsible potentially escaping to England by boat.
Additionally, there are concerns that individuals linked to Iranian intelligence agencies may be attempting to enter Britain via small boat crossings. Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, criticized the government's approach, stating, "Andy Burnham has spent all his time making a second home for himself in Manchester at taxpayer expense, while the invasion of Britain continues." Yusuf added that over 200,000 migrants have arrived by boat since 2018 and that immigration was not mentioned in Burnham's first speech as Prime Minister.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, expressed concern that Burnham is endangering the public by allowing individuals with potential ties to terrorism into the country. He also highlighted Burnham's failure to address immigration in his initial public remarks.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has been notified of the incident in France and is liaising with French counterparts. Separately, the NCA has charged a teenage migrant in connection with piloting a boat that carried 165 people on Thursday, setting a new record for single-boat crossings. The 19-year-old Sudanese national is accused of endangering another during the sea journey.
Since Labour's election victory in July 2024, over 77,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to the UK. The total number of arrivals by small boat since records began in 2018 exceeds 200,000.
While the number of arrivals this year, over 13,000, is more than 40 percent lower than the previous year, experts anticipate that crossings could increase with changing weather conditions. This week saw daily arrivals of 172 on Wednesday, 366 on Thursday, 103 on Friday, and 240 on Saturday. Stronger winds on Sunday reportedly prevented further crossings.
A Home Office spokesperson stated that removals of small-boat migrants are at record levels and asylum claims have decreased by 12 percent.