A Labour minister has admitted he was wrong after claiming that most migrants arriving in the UK on small boats are babies, children, and women. The remark sparked criticism across the political spectrum and was later proven incorrect based on official government data.
The comment was made during a broadcast appearance where the minister, Mr. Jones, shared an emotional story from his visit to the UK Border Security Command. He said, “When you see these dinghies put together by organised criminal gangs, and when you see that the majority of people in these boats are children, babies and women…” His statement was challenged in real-time by Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf, who argued that over 90% of small boat migrants were men.
What does the data really say?
Home Office records reveal that between January 2018 and March 2025, around 73% of people arriving by small boats were adult men. Only 9% were adult women, and 16% were children under 18, based on cases where age and gender were recorded. This stands in stark contrast to Mr. Jones’ claim, and triggered immediate responses from critics.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage quickly shared a clip of the comment online, stating: “This is simply not true. Another clueless Labour minister.” His post drew widespread attention, with Conservative figures joining in the criticism. Former Reform MP Rupert Lowe went further by writing a formal letter demanding that the minister correct his statement.
Downing Street initially stood by Mr. Jones. A spokesperson said that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer still had full confidence in him and emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling criminal smuggling gangs responsible for dangerous Channel crossings.
However, later that same day, Mr. Jones issued a public clarification. He acknowledged that men do make up the majority of small boat arrivals, although he pushed back slightly against the “over 90%” figure mentioned by Reform. In his retraction, he explained: “On BBC Question Time I shared a story from my visit… about a dinghy that arrived mostly carrying women, children and babies who had suffered horrific burns. I’m happy to clarify this, given how this is now being misrepresented.”
Still, the damage may have already been done. Opposition MPs and critics argue that Mr. Jones’ incorrect statement risks weakening public trust in Labour’s approach to immigration and border security.
Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said, “No wonder this is shaping up to be the worst year on record for small boat crossings. If this is what passes for reality inside the Labour Government, Britain is in serious trouble.”
This latest incident adds fuel to the ongoing national debate over illegal immigration and the government’s response. As small boat arrivals continue, both parties are facing pressure to present accurate facts and real solutions to manage migration while maintaining public confidence.