Record-Breaking Arrivals
Channel crossings reached a new peak this year with almost 600 illegal migrants arriving from France on Sunday. The surge in small boats was fueled by sunny weather, making it the busiest day since last December.
Political Responses
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the situation, calling it a "total disgrace" and urging stricter measures to control borders. In response, Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman highlighted the government's efforts to tackle the asylum system chaos inherited from previous administrations.
Efforts to Combat Smuggling
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper recently met with her French counterpart to discuss strategies to prevent illegal crossings. Despite a £500 million deal between Britain and France in 2023, challenges remain as a detention center is yet to be built.
Deportations and Asylum Claims
Labour claims to have increased deportations of foreign offenders since taking office, but only a small percentage of small boat arrivals have been removed. Asylum claims have risen significantly, surpassing previous records, while the approval rate has decreased, indicating stricter processing.
