Prime Minister Andy Burnham has admitted he cannot set a target date or promise an end to illegal cross-Channel journeys, pointing to the loss of international collaboration following Brexit as a factor hampering border efforts. Speaking after the arrival of more than 83,000 migrants in small boats since Labour took power, Mr Burnham faced sharp criticism from political opponents over his comments on border security.
Andy Burnham Links Border Challenges to Brexit
When pushed on whether he can stop the small boats crisis during an interview with BBC South East, Mr Burnham stated: “I do point to the loss of collaboration with neighbours that came with Brexit. That hasn’t helped.” He described a more cooperative system in the past that allowed for higher levels of collaboration with neighboring countries. However, the Prime Minister maintained that he does not use that loss as an excuse to stop working toward lowering the number of crossings.
“That is our goal, that we don’t want to see any crossings at all,” Mr Burnham said, adding that he will not provide a date or a promise to end the journeys. “What I will say to you is I will not stop nor will the Home Secretary until we bear down every element of this criminal, illegal activity.”
Political Fallout and Opposition Reaction
The Prime Minister’s remarks drew immediate backlash from opposing party leaders. Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage criticized the stance, arguing: “Before Brexit we had agreements that meant that we took more people than we sent back. Burnham is clearly clueless on policy detail.” Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp also rejected the explanation, calling it “total nonsense” and accusing the Prime Minister of attempting to deflect from ongoing arrivals.
Mr Philp argued that previous EU Dublin arrangements only resulted in a handful of returns and that other European nations currently in the scheme still face migration difficulties. Meanwhile, both Reform UK and the Tories have stated their intention to leave the European Convention on Human Rights to deport illegal migrants as a deterrent.
Did You Know? More than 83,000 migrants have arrived in small boats since Labour came to power, a cumulative total that has surpassed the entire size of the British army.
Broader Political Context and Election Speculation
The debate over cross-Channel arrivals comes at the end of a busy week that included a meeting with Donald Trump and precedes the Labour party conference in Liverpool. Amid recent mega-poll figures projecting Labour on 241 seats—falling short of the 326 required for a majority—Mr Burnham dismissed speculation about calling an early general election.
“I’m focused on the job as Prime Minister doing what I said I would do,” he told the BBC. He noted that his upcoming speech in Liverpool will outline his government’s direction, with immediate priorities focused on helping people and businesses manage the cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Andy Burnham say about stopping small boat crossings?
The Prime Minister stated that he cannot set a target date or provide a promise to end illegal journeys, though he and the Home Secretary remain committed to bearing down on criminal smuggling activity.
How has Brexit affected border collaboration, according to the Prime Minister?
Mr Burnham pointed to a “loss of collaboration with neighbours” following Brexit, stating that the UK no longer has access to the same cooperative systems with neighboring countries as it did in the past.
What are the opposing parties proposing to address the crisis?
Both Reform UK and the Tories have stated they would leave the European Convention on Human Rights to deport illegal migrants upon arrival and act as a deterrent.
How do you view the government’s current strategy for managing cross-Channel arrivals?
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