Overview
- Home Office data show about 881 migrants reached the UK by small boat in Andy Burnham's first week as prime minister, including a single 'mega‑dinghy' carrying 165 people.
- Downing Street and the Home Office say overall crossings are down roughly 45% year on year and point to a new enforcement deal with France as part of the response.
- Law‑enforcement activity during the spike included seizures of boats and engines and the charging of a suspected boat pilot, actions the government says target smuggling gangs.
- Opponents and eyewitnesses have publicly challenged the France deal after images of fresh departures from French beaches circulated, and polling shows low public confidence in Burnham's ability to stop the boats.
- Charities warn crowded, larger craft increase drowning risk while the government pledges to keep closing taxpayer‑funded asylum hotels and to sustain removals and deportations as part of its strategy.