Burnham’s First Two Weeks: 2,000 Channel Crossings Despite Crackdown
Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces criticism as over 2,000 migrants crossed the English Channel in his first two weeks despite government claims of a crackdown on smuggling.
According to Bill Bowkett writing in GB News, official figures reveal that 326 asylum seekers arrived in four small boats on Sunday alone, pushing the total number of crossings to 2,057 since the former Greater Manchester mayor assumed the premiership on July 20, replacing Sir Keir Starmer.
The provisional total for 2026 now stands at 14,526 arrivals—enough people to fill Centre Court at Wimbledon to capacity.
The situation comes amid heightened concerns over border security following chaotic scenes in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta, where approximately 60,000 people attempted to storm into Europe from Morocco on Friday. Around 7,000 Africans reportedly remain at large in Ceuta, raising fears that many will attempt to reach Britain via the Channel in the coming weeks.
NCA Doubles Officers Despite Rising Crossings
The National Crime Agency confirmed that the number of officers dedicated to combating organised immigration crime has doubled over the past year, expanding from 376 to nearly 800 personnel. The agency contributed to almost 300 arrests last year targeting people-smuggling networks.
The NCA and international partners have seized more than 1,100 vessels and engines destined for human traffickers since the 2024 general election, according to official figures.
Burnham Tours Dover Command Centre
Burnham visited Dover’s Joint Command Room to observe operations conducted by the NCA and Border Security Command, presenting the visit as evidence of government action on the migrant crisis.
The Prime Minister has maintained that Labour’s strategy to halt illegal boat crossings is proving effective, despite the continued flow of arrivals during his first two weeks in office.
The contrast between government rhetoric and the reality of ongoing crossings has intensified criticism from those who argue that Britain’s borders remain fundamentally uncontrolled under the current administration.
With information from GB News
