Labour leader under pressure as 10,000 migrants cross Channel since taking office

10,000 small boat migrants cross Channel

Since Sir Keir Starmer became PM, more than 10,000 small boat migrants have crossed the Channel, increasing pressure on him to fulfill his promise to end the crisis.

Government data and priorities

Government data revealed that 65 migrants arrived from France just a day after eight people tragically lost their lives attempting the journey. Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized that tackling illegal immigration is a top priority.

PM's actions and response

The PM recently flew to Italy for discussions with Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni to combat European smuggling gangs. He has appointed Martin Hewitt as the new Border Security Commander to address the issue.

Criticism and promises

Nigel Farage criticized the government's handling of the Channel emergency, while Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly highlighted the axing of the Rwanda plan and accused Labour of sending mixed signals to people-smugglers. The Home Secretary has pledged to remove over 14,000 illegal immigrants in the next six months, and Yvette Cooper initiated a crackdown on small boat migrants in August.