Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated his commitment to ending illegal small boat crossings in the English Channel, emphasizing that “nobody should be making that journey.” His statement follows a record day on June 1, 2025, when over 1,100 migrants arrived in the UK, marking the highest number recorded in a single day this year.
Addressing questions from GB News’ Katherine Foster in Glasgow, Starmer acknowledged the severity of the situation and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to tackling the issue. He highlighted ongoing collaboration with France and other nations to enhance border security and prevent illegal crossings.
The surge in Channel crossings has intensified political scrutiny of the government’s immigration policies. Critics argue that despite efforts to dismantle people-smuggling networks, the number of crossings continues to rise, challenging the effectiveness of current strategies.
In response to these challenges, the UK has called for a crackdown on shallow-water migrant crossings, urging France to address legal loopholes that hinder effective intervention by French police. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the limited French response, revealing ongoing discussions to extend enforcement up to 300 meters from the coast.
As the situation evolves, Prime Minister Starmer’s government faces mounting pressure to implement more effective measures to curb illegal Channel crossings and ensure the safety and security of the UK’s borders.
