UK Prime Minister blames Brexit for rising small boat crossings
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has attributed the surge in small boat arrivals to Brexit, asserting that it has resulted in “weaker control” over the borders, reports BritPanorama.
Burnham noted that the number of crossings has continued to rise as migrants have become aware that they cannot be forcibly returned to their countries in the same manner as before. He stated, “The reason the small boats crisis has arisen is because we can’t return people, and people know we can’t do that in the same way we used to be able to.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that the UK’s exit from the EU has led to the loss of critical shared tracking systems and deportation agreements, further exacerbating the situation. Since data collection began in January 2018, more than 200,000 migrants have arrived in the UK, peaking at a record 45,774 in 2022.
Burnham previously expressed a desire to see Britain rejoin the EU during his lifetime, yet acknowledged that the decision ultimately rests with the public. Recent discussions have surfaced regarding the UK’s potential re-engagement with the EU for closer alignment, which may include considerations for the return of free movement.
The ongoing migrant crisis reignites the debate over the impact of Brexit on Britain’s immigration policies and international obligations, raising questions about the country’s future role in European cooperation.
As political and public sentiments continue to evolve around the issue, the consequences of Brexit on immigration remain a critical topic in UK discourse.
