UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer loses control as over 1000 illegal migrants cross channel

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting criticism following a record surge in illegal migrant crossings across the English Channe...

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting criticism following a record surge in illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel, with over 1,000 people arriving in small boats on Saturday, May 31, alone, the highest daily total this year. Images from northern France showed French police standing by as dozens of overloaded dinghies, carrying men, women, and children seeking refuge in the UK, launched from the coast. British and French rescue teams deployed 11 vessels and two aircraft to manage the situation, which saw an estimated 18 boats cross the Channel. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the incident as a "day of shame" for the Labour government. Over 1,000 illegal immigrants in a single day, boats flooding the Channel, Border Force stretched beyond breaking point, and even fishing vessels drafted in, Philp said. Labour has completely lost control of our borders. The new figures bring the total number of Channel crossings in 2025 to 14,600around 30% higher than this time last year and the highest total for the first five months of any year since records began in 2018. Law enforcement and government sources warn that 2025 could be on track to surpass 2022s record of 45,755 crossings. Criminal smuggling gangs continue to play a central role in organising the crossings, often overloading boats to dangerous levels. At least 78 migrants have died attempting the journey in 2024 alone, making it the deadliest year on record, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Since 2018, no fewer than 225 migrants have lost their lives making the crossing. The prime minister has pledged to smash the gangs behind the crossings, but critics argue that efforts have so far failed to produce results. Philp pointed to the scrapped Rwanda deportation policy as evidence that Labour has failed on every front. Government insiders have acknowledged that despite increased cooperation with French authorities and attempts to disrupt smuggling networks upstream, meaningful results may not be seen until 2026. Calm weather conditions this year have also contributed to the rise in crossings, with more favourable red days for smugglers than at the same point in 2024. Defence Secretary John Healey, speaking on Sky News, blamed the previous Conservative government for losing control of the borders, adding that the current system is in chaos. Healey acknowledged the difficulties in intercepting boats in shallow waters but said cooperation with French authorities is improving, with new rules expected to enable better enforcement. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed concerns about the weather-dependent nature of the current border situation, calling it unacceptable. She argued that only a coordinated international response can effectively dismantle smuggling networks and end dangerous Channel crossings. Despite strong rhetoric from government ministers, Saturdays record figures underscore the ongoing challenge facing the UK as it seeks to curb irregular migration and ensure border security.The post UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer loses control as over 1000 illegal migrants cross channel appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.