More than 25,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year, a shocking new figure that heaps pressure on the newly elected Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. Despite a vow during his election campaign to crack down on people-smuggling gangs “with immediate effect,” Starmer’s administration has seen an increase in crossings since he took office in July.
The latest Home Office data shows that 717 people were detected crossing the Channel on Sunday alone, bringing the provisional total for the year to 25,052. This is higher than the same period in 2023, when 23,996 migrants had arrived by 22 September, though lower than the 2022 figure of 31,440.
The Channel, one of the busiest and most perilous shipping routes globally, remains a key route for migrants seeking to enter the UK. Many of these individuals hail from some of the world’s poorest and most volatile regions, often claiming asylum once they reach British shores.
Government Promises and Public Backlash
The government’s response to the crisis has been criticised as ineffective. Despite assurances of progress in stopping the crossings, critics argue that little has changed under the new leadership. The appointment of Martin Hewitt, a former police chief, as the new Border Security Commander, was announced with much fanfare. The government claims that Hewitt’s new role is a key component of the so-called Border Security Command, established to boost international partnerships and intensify investigations into the criminal gangs facilitating these perilous journeys.
In a statement, a Home Office spokesperson said: “Our new Border Security Command will strengthen our global partnerships and enhance our efforts to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for people smuggling.”
Yet for many, the words ring hollow. Public frustration is evident in both online and political discourse. One online commentator lashed out, stating, “This government is worse than the last lot, and they were pretty bloody bad. They do not have a clue what they are doing, talk is cheap and now it’s time for action.”
Another echoed this sentiment, angrily adding: “What part of illegal migrant don’t this government get? They are coming into our country uninvited and taking up housing and hotels that is affecting our country’s economy. They expect everything when they should not get anything.”
Sir Keir Starmer: Sticking to His Guns?
In contrast to his initial strong rhetoric, Starmer has since softened his stance. In a recent interview with BBC South East, the Prime Minister said he was “absolutely determined” to tackle the criminal gangs behind the crossings. However, when pressed for a specific timeline on when he expects to bring an end to the illegal crossings, Starmer dodged the question, saying he would not “put an arbitrary date” on resolving the issue.
This shift in tone has been seen as a significant U-turn, especially given Starmer’s campaign promise of immediate action. The Prime Minister’s reluctance to commit to a deadline has stirred doubts about the government’s ability to deal with the ongoing crisis.
Labour, under Starmer, won the general election in July 2024, capitalising on public dissatisfaction with the Conservative Party’s handling of both immigration and Brexit. The Channel crossings were a key issue during the campaign, with many expecting swift and decisive action once Starmer assumed office. However, the numbers show that over 10,000 migrants have made the treacherous journey across the Channel since Labour’s victory, casting a shadow over Starmer’s claims of progress.
The Humanitarian Challenge
While many view the crisis through the lens of border control and national security, others highlight the desperate circumstances faced by those making the crossing. Most migrants attempting to cross the Channel do so in dangerously overcrowded small boats, often without adequate life-saving equipment. The journey is fraught with risk, and the Channel remains a notorious hotspot for both maritime accidents and human trafficking.
Many of the migrants come from regions marred by poverty, war, and political instability. These are people fleeing countries like Afghanistan, Sudan, and Syria, where daily life is a struggle for survival. Once in UK waters, they are usually picked up by British authorities and often apply for asylum, a right enshrined in international law.
The rising numbers highlight a complex moral dilemma for the UK government, torn between its humanitarian obligations and the growing pressure to curb illegal immigration. Recent months have seen a surge in the use of detention centres and hotels to house new arrivals, a practice that has triggered its own backlash, with some members of the public arguing that such resources could be better spent on citizens in need.
Border Security or Humanitarian Crisis?
Amidst the political finger-pointing and public outcry, questions remain about how to tackle this issue effectively. The new Border Security Command promises to increase scrutiny on the criminal gangs orchestrating these crossings, but many question whether this will be enough to stem the tide.
Indeed, the numbers speak for themselves. While the total number of migrants crossing in 2024 is still lower than the 2022 peak, the overall upward trend remains concerning. The increase in numbers since Labour came to power under Starmer indicates that his administration, despite early promises, is struggling to deal with the reality of the situation.
The issue is compounded by the fact that many migrants, once in the UK, face long waits for their asylum claims to be processed. This has led to bottlenecks in the system, further straining already limited resources.
The Way Forward?
As the situation unfolds, the government remains tight-lipped on when the crossings might finally be brought under control. While the creation of the Border Security Command is a step in the right direction, more substantial and coordinated efforts will be necessary to tackle the root causes of migration and the criminal networks profiting from human misery.
For Prime Minister Starmer, the Channel crossings represent one of the most significant tests of his leadership. His handling of the crisis will undoubtedly shape the public’s perception of his government in the months to come. With over 25,000 arrivals already this year, and no end in sight, the challenge remains as daunting as ever.
In the meantime, the UK’s shores will continue to see the arrival of small boats—each one carrying with it the hopes and fears of individuals seeking a better life, and the complex political ramifications of how best to manage such a humanitarian emergency.