Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged his government will be "relentless" in curbing the number of people arriving in the UK on small boats.

Burnham stated that progress has been made and the government is fundamentally changing its approach to tackling illegal migration. The announcement comes amid renewed political focus on the issue, following a large number of migrants reaching the Spanish exclave of Ceuta.

The prime minister highlighted that enforcement officers tackling people-smuggling gangs have been doubled on both sides of the Channel. He noted that this increase in personnel aims to address public concerns about border control and to dismantle the criminal networks facilitating these dangerous journeys.

This intensified effort seeks to regain control of the UK's borders while also exploring avenues for safe routes for individuals genuinely in need of protection. Burnham emphasized the need to address the broader issue of migration and the UK's relationship with the Schengen area.

The number of National Crime Agency (NCA) officers dedicated to combating smuggling gangs has nearly doubled, rising from 376 at the start of 2025 to almost 800. A similar increase in French officers has also been reported.

Between January 1 and July 29, 2026, 14,128 people crossed the English Channel in small boats, a 42% decrease compared to the same period the previous year. These crossings have become the primary method for illegal entry into the UK since 2020, with nearly all arrivals claiming asylum, allowing them to remain in the country during the application process.

Data indicates that small boat arrivals constituted 42% of all asylum applications between April 2025 and March 2026. The average number of people per boat arriving in the UK between July 2025 and July 2026 was 67, more than double the figure in 2021, raising concerns about safety due to overcrowding.

Experts warn that overcrowding significantly increases the risks associated with these crossings. The United Nations reported at least 84 deaths during Channel crossings in 2024. Despite the government's commitment to "smash the gangs," small boat arrivals represent approximately 5% of the UK's total immigration between January and December 2025.