More than 50,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats since Labour came to power last July, according to Home Office data. The total reached 50,271 after 474 people made the journey on Monday over 13,000 more than in the same period a year earlier.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government would “turn this around,” acknowledging public frustration. Labour pledged before the election to “smash” people-smuggling gangs, but Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the figures proved it was “just a slogan.”
The milestone comes as French authorities confirmed a woman in her 30s died on Malo beach in Dunkirk on Monday while trying to board a boat to the UK. The International Organization for Migration says at least 20 people have died this year attempting to cross, including those who perished before reaching the sea.
Officials in northern France said they rescued 166 people in four operations the same day, but some refused assistance and continued toward the UK.
The government is banking on a “one in, one out” pilot deal with France returning some migrants in exchange for asylum seekers believed to have legitimate claims but the first returns are expected to be small. Critics, including Dunkirk’s mayor Patrice Vergriete, have called the approach “ineffective and cruel.”
Tories and Reform UK have accused Labour of losing control of the borders, while ministers insist there is “no silver bullet” but point to upcoming powers in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, tougher penalties for smuggling, and more National Crime Agency resources.
Refugee charities argue that without expanding safe and legal routes, dangerous crossings will continue and gangs will adapt their methods.
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