The UK migrant crisis has reached a staggering milestone, with over 150,000 individuals arriving by small boats since the start of the crisis in 2018. This figure was confirmed amid reports of hundreds more arriving during the Christmas holiday, pointing to the persistent issues surrounding illegal Channel crossings.
The latest Home Office statistics indicate 407 migrants were brought to Dover on Boxing Day after being intercepted at sea. This surge has brought the total since the first dinghies began arriving five years ago to 150,220, equivalent to the population of cities like Blackpool.
This record highlights the stark increase over recent years. To put this number in perspective, just 299 migrants were recorded crossing the Channel back in 2018, quickly rising to 45,774 by 2022, according to government data.
Labour’s recent policies under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have been met with criticism, particularly from the Conservative party. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp claimed the latest government approach has been ineffective since abandoning previous Rwanda asylum plans. Philp has stated, "The Rwanda deterrent - where anyone crossing would rapidly be removed to Rwanda - would have stopped this. It was a terrible mistake for Labour to cancel Rwanda before it even started. That's why crossings are up 20 percent since Labour came to power.”
Philp also urged the French government to implement stronger measures to prevent boats from crossing the Channel at all, echoing calls for immediate action to control the borders and reduce the migrant flow.
Statistics show 22,324 small boat arrivals occurred since Labour’s electoral victory, with 35,898 of these crossings occurring so far just this year. This reflects heightened tension as the number of new arrivals surged over the holidays.
Meanwhile, Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, acknowledged the government's moral responsibility to address illegal migration and has been vocal about targeting the criminal networks behind these crossings. During her recent visit to Italy for discussions with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, she emphasized the need to 'go after' the gangs, but ruled out creating more safe routes for asylum seekers. Cooper stated, "We have to keep this under control, by dismantling the criminal gangs profiting from it," emphasizing the need to prioritize law enforcement.
Recent analyses reveal the number of crossings this year has seen both ups and downs: 29,437 arrived after crossing the Channel, marking a 22 percent increase compared to this time last year but still down by the same percentage from 2022. Tough conditions and law enforcement efforts may have contributed to the overall decrease seen recently.
Prime Minister Starmer’s strategy continues to hinge on international cooperation with European law enforcement to tackle the surging migrant numbers. His administration is faced with calls to prioritize a comprehensive overhaul of the current crossing situation, yet no pressing targets have been established.
Starmer himself admitted, "If the boats and the engines aren’t available, it obviously makes it much more difficult for these crossings to be made," underlining the importance of diminishing operational capability among smugglers.
The National Crime Agency is actively engaged, leading approximately 70 investigations focused on organized immigration crime, as government critics argue the current administration has been too lenient on these operations. A significant concern involves the rising death toll among migrants attempting perilous crossings, with at least 50 fatalities recorded throughout the year.
The events during the holidays, particularly about 451 migrants arriving on Christmas Day alone, have showcased the crisis's persistence, nudging home the question of whether the government’s solution can successfully replace previous controversial attempts like the Rwanda plan.
Philp criticized both Labour and the current government for failing to prevent the crisis, saying, "Small boat crossings are totally unacceptable and must stop. A country has to control its borders."
Reflecting on the long-term effects of these crossings, critics argue the rising numbers and fatalities signify systemic issues with border control and asylum policies. Philp described the situation as unsustainable and urged for more rigorous actions to deter future arrivals.
The prevailing narrative continues to resonate: the Labour government is struggling to balance humanitarian obligations with stringent border controls, without falling behind on outright addressing the rises of dangerous crossings. With the politics of immigration heating up, the question remains—can they effectively manage this influx, or will the crisis only deepen?
