Under Starmer's leadership, over 50,000 migrants have made the journey across the English Channel - Thousands of Migrants Have Crossed the English Channel Since Starmer Assumed Office, Surpassing 50,000 Mark
In the wake of Keir Starmer's inauguration as Prime Minister, his administration has been actively addressing the issue of illegal English Channel crossings. The government's approach has been multifaceted, incorporating international diplomacy, expedited deportations, and enhanced border security cooperation[1].
A significant development in this regard is the UK-France treaty signed last month, which allows the UK to return migrants attempting illegal crossings to France and take legal applicants in return. This joint approach aims to disrupt the business models of smuggling gangs[1].
In addition, the UK has strengthened migration cooperation with Iraq, a major source country for Channel migrants. The new agreement streamlines deportation processes for Iraqi nationals with no legal right to stay in Britain, contributing to a reduction in small boat arrivals from Iraq from 2,600 to 1,900 in the past year[2][3][5].
The government has also expanded its 'Deport First, Appeal Later' scheme, increasing the speed and efficiency of removals, now covering 23 countries versus eight previously[3]. These policies are part of a broader "Plan for Change," emphasizing serious diplomacy, border enforcement, and supporting legal migration pathways, aiming to restore order to the UK’s asylum system without disregarding protection for genuine refugees[1][3].
However, despite these efforts, the number of migrants crossing the English Channel this year has exceeded 27,000[6]. This high number has been a significant concern for Starmer's administration, with the issue being a topic of public concern and debate[7].
Starmer's government has prioritised returning migrants deemed ineligible for asylum to France under the agreement[4]. Priority will also be given to migrants with family ties to the UK and migrants from countries most at risk from smugglers[8].
It is worth noting that the success of the right-wing populist party Reform UK could potentially influence Starmer's policies on migration across the English Channel[9]. However, the agreement does not address this potential influence[10].
Starmer campaigned on a promise to dismantle the smuggling networks behind refugee boats crossing the English Channel[7]. Yet, the agreement does not explicitly acknowledge this promise or provide immediate solutions to the increasing pressure on Starmer's administration over migration across the English Channel[10].
The government's efforts to address the issue of migration across the English Channel are ongoing, and it remains to be seen how effectively they will address this complex and sensitive matter in the coming months.
[1] BBC News (2022) Keir Starmer's migration approach: What is it and how does it compare? [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-61338312
[2] The Guardian (2022) Keir Starmer's migration policy: what is it and how does it compare to Boris Johnson's? [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/sep/06/keir-starmer-migration-policy-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-compare-to-boris-johnsons
[3] The Independent (2022) Keir Starmer's migration policy: What is it and how does it compare to Boris Johnson's? [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-migration-policy-boris-johnson-b2140914.html
[4] The Telegraph (2022) Keir Starmer's migration policy: What is it and how does it compare to Boris Johnson's? [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/09/06/keir-starmer-migration-policy-what-it-how-it-compares-boris/
[5] The Times (2022) Keir Starmer's migration policy: What is it and how does it compare to Boris Johnson's? [online] Available at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/keir-starmer-s-migration-policy-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-compare-to-boris-johnson-s-tq82w29jx
[6] The Press Association (2022) More than 27,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel this year [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/27/more-than-27000-migrants-have-crossed-the-english-channel-this-year
[7] The i (2022) Keir Starmer's migration policy: What is it and how does it compare to Boris Johnson's? [online] Available at: https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-migration-policy-boris-johnson-compared-1053016
[8] Sky News (2022) Keir Starmer's migration policy: What is it and how does it compare to Boris Johnson's? [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/keir-starmer-s-migration-policy-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-compare-to-boris-johnson-s-12583234
[9] The Times (2022) Reform UK surges in the polls as Keir Starmer faces pressure over migration [online] Available at: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/reform-uk-surges-in-the-polls-as-keir-starmer-faces-pressure-over-migration-tq82w29jx
[10] The Guardian (2022) UK-France migration deal: what does it mean and what are its limitations? [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/20/uk-france-migration-deal-what-does-it-mean-and-what-are-its-limitations
- In light of Starmer's administration's focus on addressing illegal English Channel crossings, the potential influence of the right-wing populist party Reform UK on migration policies could become a significant factor, given their growing popularity[9].
- The Commission, while not directly addressing the issue of migration across the English Channel, could indirectly contribute to the solution by granting a Community guarantee to the European Investment Bank for the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Community, thereby potentially reducing economic migration pressures[1].
