The UK government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Andy Burnham is taking a relentless approach to address the issue of small boat crossings across the English Channel. Despite recording the highest daily arrival figure of 2026 last week, Burnham highlights a 50% reduction in crossings compared to the same period last year.
The prime minister’s visit to Dover underscored his commitment to changing the approach to this complex issue. Burnham emphasized the need for both enforcement and the creation of safe routes for migrants, aiming to dismantle the business model of people-smuggling gangs.
Enhanced Enforcement and International Cooperation
Burnham announced a significant increase in enforcement officers tackling smuggling gangs on both sides of the Channel. The number of National Crime Agency (NCA) officers has risen to almost 800 from 376 at the start of 2026. This doubling of resources reflects a similar increase in French officers, demonstrating international cooperation.
The Home Office reported nearly 300 arrests of smuggling gang members last year, along with the seizure of more than 1,100 small boats and engines. Burnham noted that if this equipment had been used, it could have facilitated the illegal entry of 72,000 more people into the UK. The BBC has been unable to independently verify this claim.
The Ceuta Crisis and Broader European Context
Burnham’s remarks came in the wake of the Ceuta crisis where tens of thousands of migrants entered the Spanish territory. He was assured by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez that approximately 98% of the estimated 50,000 people who entered Ceuta had been returned to Morocco. This immediate response dealt with the crisis but highlighted broader issues within the Schengen area.
Burnham stressed the importance of regular dialogue with the EU to address these broader issues. He acknowledged the need to reassure the public that the border is under control while offering support for those who genuinely need it. The prime minister emphasized that the government is changing the whole approach to this issue, slowly putting in place the building blocks of a different strategy.
Recent Developments and Public Perception
Last Wednesday marked the busiest day for small boat crossings across the Channel so far this year, with 752 people arriving in the UK. Official provisional figures suggest 14,526 have entered the UK so far this year, a 43% decrease compared to the same period last year. This downward trend reflects the government’s efforts to tackle the issue.
Burnham’s visit to the National Crime Agency headquarters in Stratford highlighted the progress being made. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood noted that the government’s work is beginning to bear fruit. She emphasized the need for reform to address the pull factors that draw people into boats in the Channel.
The public’s perception of border control is a significant concern. Burnham acknowledged that people do not like the idea that the border looks like it’s not controlled. He stressed the need to bring back that control while offering support for those who genuinely need it. The government’s approach aims to deal with the issue rather than play politics with it.
The issue of small boat crossings has become a lightning rod in the wider debate over immigration. The number of crossings has been on a downward trend since it peaked in 2026. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that net migration to the UK fell to 171,000 last year, almost half the number seen in 2026, and the lowest level since. This drop has been attributed to fewer people arriving from outside the EU for work and study.
