Keir Starmer on the verge of small boats record
The United Kingdom is nearing a record number of small boat crossings, with recent statistics revealing that 65,703 migrants have arrived in the country during the 19 months of Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, reports BritPanorama.
This figure puts Starmer just eight crossings short of Boris Johnson’s total of 65,811, which was achieved over three years. In 2025 alone, the number of crossings reached 41,474, with 23,242 occurring after the Labour Party assumed power.
On Monday, 56 migrants successfully reached Britain, marking the first arrival since January 19, when 275 individuals made the journey. The previous month saw only 933 crossings, the lowest January figure in five years, largely attributed to Storm Chandra and harsh winter seas disrupting crossings.
The Conservative Party has been critical of Starmer’s handling of border control, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stating, “He cancelled the Rwanda deportation plan just before it was due to start and the number of illegal immigrants crossing the channel has surged since.” Philp added that Starmer’s efforts against smuggling gangs have been ineffective and mocked the current government’s approach.
Robert Bates, Research Director at the Centre for Migration Control, echoed this sentiment, indicating that Starmer’s administration is not equipped to tackle the ongoing crisis. According to Bates, “The gimmicks have not worked, the deal with France has made us a laughing stock in Europe, and ministers are more concerned with the human rights of illegal migrants than the security and safety of the British public.”
This looming record highlights ongoing concerns regarding immigration and the government’s ability to manage the situation effectively amidst rising numbers and political scrutiny.
The trajectory of small boat crossings raises vital questions about the future of UK immigration policy and the broader implications for national security amid heightened public scrutiny.
