Mahmood’s Silence Broken: 2,000 Cross Channel Under Burnham’s Watch

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has finally spoken out after more than 2,000 migrants crossed the English Channel since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, admitting Labour needs to “go further” despite claiming progress. The Daily Express reports on the mounting pressure facing the new government.

A Flood of Arrivals Under New Leadership

The numbers are stark and undeniable. In just under two weeks since Andy Burnham took the keys to Number 10 on July 20th, over 2,000 migrants have successfully crossed the English Channel in small boats. This includes a significant 326 arrivals on Saturday alone, pushing the total to a staggering 2,057 under the new Prime Minister’s watch. This surge comes despite an 11-day hiatus in crossings earlier in July, attributed to poor weather.

The figures present an immediate challenge for the fresh Labour administration, particularly for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who has now broken her silence on the matter. Her comments, reported by the Daily Express, acknowledge the persistent difficulties facing Britain’s borders.

Mahmood’s Defence: “Beginning to Bear Fruit”

Despite the recent influx, Ms Mahmood attempted to put a positive spin on the situation, claiming the Government’s efforts to tackle small boat crossings were “beginning to bear fruit”. However, she quickly conceded that “further reforms were needed”. This dual message suggests a government grappling with the reality of the situation while trying to project an image of control.

“It’s why I’m pursuing immigration reform to address the pull factors that draw people into boats in the Channel. I want to change the calculus. I want them to change their mind about whether they get on the boat in the first place.”

— Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary, Daily Express

Her focus on “pull factors” indicates a strategy to deter migrants before they even attempt the perilous journey. While removals are reportedly up by 41% since Labour came to power in 2024, with over 70,000 deportations, Ms Mahmood stated unequivocally that the Government “will go further”.

Burnham’s “Relentless” Pledge and Looming Challenges

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has echoed his Home Secretary’s resolve, pledging to be “relentless” in tackling small boat crossings. He recently visited Dover’s joint command room, the operational hub for monitoring Channel activity, to underscore his commitment. While official figures show overall crossings for the year are down compared to 2025, the sudden spike under his premiership will undoubtedly fuel criticism from opposition benches and the public.

The Labour government faces significant hurdles. The current UK-France deal, which allows for the return of some migrants, is set to expire in October. A new agreement will be crucial, but European partners are reportedly preoccupied with their own migration reforms. Furthermore, the National Crime Agency has been active, seizing over 1,000 small boats and engines since Labour took power, an effort aimed at disrupting the supply chain for smuggling gangs.

• Over 2,000 migrants crossed the Channel since Andy Burnham became PM on July 20th.
• Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood admits “further reforms” are needed despite claiming progress.
• Mahmood focuses on “pull factors” to deter migrants from attempting crossings.
• Removals are up 41% since Labour took power in 2024, with 70,000 deportations.
• PM Andy Burnham pledges to be “relentless” in tackling the issue.
• The UK-France migrant return deal is due to expire in October.

This immediate challenge for the new Burnham government underscores the immense pressure to deliver on border control. The public expects action, not just words, and the coming months will be a critical test of Labour’s ability to manage one of Britain’s most persistent and politically charged issues.

Source: Daily Express | Breaking Brexit News