United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged that his government will intensify efforts to tackle illegal migration across the English Channel, insisting that authorities will remain relentless in stopping small boat crossings into the UK.
Speaking on Sunday, Burnham said his administration is focused on delivering practical solutions rather than turning migration into a political debate.
“We can choose to play politics on this issue, or we can just get on with it and sort it out. I know which one I’m doing,” the Prime Minister said.
According to Burnham, the number of small boat crossings has dropped by 50 percent compared with the previous year, but stressed that the government would not become complacent.
He explained that the UK is changing its overall approach to illegal migration by strengthening enforcement against human-smuggling networks while also expanding safe and legal routes for those genuinely seeking protection.
“We also need to build a system that offers safe routes for people as well, because that also takes away the selling point of the gangs,” he stated.
Burnham disclosed that the number of officers targeting people-smuggling gangs on both sides of the English Channel has been doubled as part of the government’s strategy to tighten border security.
His comments come amid renewed debate over migration policies following the recent movement of nearly 60,000 migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco.
Spanish authorities later confirmed that almost all the migrants had been returned to Morocco after security operations.
Reacting to the development, Burnham said the incident highlighted wider concerns about border management in Europe, adding that the UK would continue engaging with the European Union (EU) on migration-related issues.
He maintained that the government is committed to restoring public confidence in border security while ensuring support remains available for people with genuine humanitarian needs.
“The public doesn’t like the idea that the border looks like it’s not controlled,” Burnham said.
He reaffirmed that the UK would continue working to secure its borders while maintaining a fair and balanced immigration system.
Source: AFP.
