The number of small-boat migrants who have reached Britain since the general election has surpassed the total personnel of the British Army. On Wednesday, 781 migrants arrived, marking the highest daily tally this year, bringing the total to 83,279, according to Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp. He stated, 'Labour has let an entire army-sized population cross the Channel illegally,' emphasizing concerns over border control. Philp criticized Labour's handling of the situation, claiming they have lost control of the borders. He also mentioned the Conservative plan to end hotel accommodations and benefits for illegal immigrants and to deport them instead.
This week, two dinghies reached UK shores without interception by Border Force, raising concerns about the government's ability to manage the situation. Cabinet minister Lucy Powell acknowledged that the government 'can't stop everything all of the time' during discussions about the recent influx. The number of migrants arriving this week has already reached 1,085 in just three days.
The increase in crossings may suggest that traffickers are overcoming previous law enforcement crackdowns that restricted supply routes for dinghies and maritime equipment. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood had previously stated on September 2 that efforts were being made to boost officer numbers to combat small-boat launches and the gangs behind them.
The two recent uncontrolled landings included a dinghy carrying up to 30 migrants that reached a Kent beach on Tuesday. Officials confirmed that 21 individuals were detained and taken to a Home Office facility for processing of asylum claims. Mahmood has ordered an urgent review of the circumstances surrounding these crossings.
Lucy Moreton, a representative from the Border Force union, warned that migrant boats are arriving undetected along the UK's south coast. She stated, 'It's absolutely, definitely happening.' A former senior Home Office civil servant suggested that the entire south coast should be monitored for crossings, not just the narrow section near Dover. Ex-Border Force director general Tony Smith noted that technology such as radar and drones should be utilized to monitor these crossings effectively.
In response to the situation, a government spokesman stated that progress has been made in tackling small boat crossings, with a reported 42 percent decrease this year and the lowest numbers recorded over the summer months since 2020. However, the recent events indicate that further efforts are needed to combat this issue.