New data has revealed that nearly 30,000 migrants have arrived in the UK since Labour’s election victory, sparking criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s handling of the crisis. Migration Watch UK has warned that if current trends continue, the number of Channel crossings could reach 60,000 by the end of the year.
Despite Labour’s pledge to tackle illegal migration and dismantle smuggling networks, more than 6,600 migrants have been detected in the Channel in the first three months of 2025. Critics argue that Starmer’s government has failed to deliver on its promises, with rising numbers of migrants housed in hotels and a growing asylum backlog.
Alp Mehmet, Chairman of Migration Watch UK, voiced strong concerns, stating that the government’s policies are sending the wrong message. He argued that the new Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill lacks provisions for removals, making it easier for traffickers to exploit the system. He called for stricter enforcement, warning that without immediate action, Britain will continue to be a prime destination for illegal migration.
The Home Office’s latest data indicates that the number of Channel crossings is over 30% higher than last year’s figures for the same period. With numbers expected to surpass 30,000 in the coming days, pressure is mounting on Starmer to implement decisive measures to curb the crisis.