The UK’s Strategy on Migrant Crossings Under Keir Starmer

Since Sir Keir Starmer stepped into the role of Prime Minister, the UK has seen an uptick in the number of migrants crossing the English Channel. Official figures from the Home Office, soon to be released, are anticipated to confirm that over 20,000 migrants have entered the UK via Channel crossings since July.

Migrant Crossings Surpassing Preceding Premiership

The situation sharply contrasts with that under Rishi Sunak’s premiership that began in the autumn of 2022. At that time, crossing attempts diminished due to the less favorable weather conditions of the season. It took around eight-and-a-half months for migrant crossings to hit the 20,000 mark. Conversely, Sir Keir assumed his role in the middle of the summer, a period traditionally characterised by increasing migration attempts buoyed by better weather conditions.

Political Outcry and Policy Evolution

The response to this migrant influx has generated considerable political discourse. The Labour Party has taken this as an opportunity to accuse the former Tory government of poor immigration handling, which they claim caused immense and lasting harm. They vow not to repeat the same mistakes, nor to let the Tories forget them.

The Changing Dynamics of Migration

Recognition and acceptance of the ‘new normal’ in migrant crossings shine a spotlight on how profoundly the dynamics of migration have changed. The Labour government has publicly declared its commitment to smashing smuggling gangs, securing borders, and addressing migration issues at their roots. The recent signing of a deal with Iraq signifies a shift in approach to tackle the migration problem.

Overhauling the Immigration System

Sir Keir Starmer announced a substantial revision of the immigration system recently following extensive public concern over the huge volume of legal arrivals into the country. The Prime Minister seemed committed to rectifying past governmental failures that led to an increase in immigration numbers. The cost concern is merited as recent figures show that UK’s asylum system’s cost has hit £5 billion, reflecting the highest level of Home Office spending on record.

International Cooperation and On-Going Challenges

On top of introducing domestic reforms, the Prime Minister is eager to deepen international cooperation with law enforcement agencies in Europe to reduce arrivals. The tragically high number of deaths related to channel crossings, with some fifty people having lost their lives this year alone, demonstrates the immense challenges that lie ahead. Notably, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a “landmark” deal with Iraq, with the aim of cracking down on people-smuggling and enhancing border security. This marks a key step towards more international collaborations in resolving the migration issue.

Conclusion

The dramatic increase in Channel crossings since Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership demonstrates the urgent need for effective and humane strategies to manage migration. While the government has shown signs of a committed approach to addressing these issues, only time will tell if these measures will result in significant change. As these challenges persist and new ones emerge, the UK will need to continually review and adjust its approaches to managing migration, all while remaining cognizant of its obligations to human rights and international law.

Originally Post From https://www.newsbreak.com/the-independent-517119/3697254016976-channel-migrant-crossings-top-20-000-since-starmer-became-prime-minister

Spike in Channel Migrant Crossings Surpasses 20000 Following Starmer’s Prime Ministership