More than 2,000 migrants have arrived on United Kingdom shores in small boat crossings over the past 13 days, since Andy Burnham assumed the role of Prime Minister on July 20. On Saturday alone, 326 migrants arrived in four boats, bringing the total number of crossings since Burnham took office to 2,057.
This period has seen a higher rate of crossings compared to the same timeframe last year, when 1,962 crossings were recorded between July 20 and August 2. Despite this recent increase, the provisional total for asylum seekers arriving by boat this year stands at 14,526, which is 43% lower than the figure at the same point in 2025 (25,436) and 14% lower than 2024's total of 16,903.
Prime Minister Burnham stated that the government's strategies to curb Channel crossings are beginning to yield results, though he acknowledged that further action is necessary. He indicated that while this is the peak season for crossings, the overall number of arrivals is down year-on-year, and the number of removals has increased.
Burnham visited Dover's joint command room, where agencies including the National Crime Agency (NCA), Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and the Border Security Command collaborate to monitor Channel movements. "Clearly, progress is being made, but we're not complacent, and it's why I am here," Burnham said during his visit. He emphasized a commitment to being "relentless" in tackling small boat crossings and noted the need to build a system that offers safe routes for asylum seekers to undermine smuggling gangs.
Since the Labour party took power in 2024, the number of NCA officers focused on organized immigration crime has more than doubled, from 376 to nearly 800. In the same period, over 1,000 small boats or engines have been seized as part of a pledge to disrupt the supply of equipment to smuggling operations.
A Home Office spokesperson reported that removals of small boat migrants are at record levels, and asylum claims have decreased by 12%. The spokesperson also highlighted a new agreement with France designed to increase enforcement on beaches and prosecute people smugglers. This initiative builds upon joint efforts that have reportedly stopped over 46,000 attempted crossings since the election. The government also stated that nearly 70,000 individuals have been removed or deported for being in the UK illegally, a 41% increase.
This increase in UK-bound crossings occurs as Spain experienced a significant migration event, with over 60,000 people entering the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco. Reports indicate that around 100 individuals, including children, died during this event. Spanish authorities have since deployed a floating barrier to prevent further unauthorized entries into Ceuta. The handling of this situation has drawn criticism, leading to diplomatic tensions and public discontent.