Tory MPs Demand Action
Small boat crossings at the start of this year have surged to the highest on record, dealing a blow to Rishi Sunak's migrant pledge. Tory MPs are demanding he do "whatever it takes" to address the crisis as total Channel arrivals hit 4,644.
Record Arrivals for First Three Months
Small boat arrivals have reached a record high for the first three months of this year. The number of illegal migrants in the first quarter has surpassed the previous 2022 record, with four days still remaining.
Risk of Losing Votes to Reform Party
Pollsters have warned that the Prime Minister risks losing votes to the right-wing Reform Party if the tide of illegal crossings is not stemmed. The recent surge in arrivals is a whopping 23% higher compared to the same period last year.
Political Backlash
Political opponents have criticized Rishi Sunak's handling of the situation. Labour's shadow immigration minister, Stephen Kinnock, questioned the government's approach, while ex-Tory immigration minister Robert Jenrick called for more decisive action to stop the boats.
Blame Game
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan blamed Labour for delays in the Rwanda deportation scheme, emphasizing the need to expedite the process. The Home Office highlighted the importance of collaboration with French authorities to prevent dangerous and illegal crossings.
