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Starmer Faces Backlash as Migrant Crossings Surge 50%

7/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sir Keir Starmer is under fire for his handling of the migrant crisis, with small boat crossings skyrocketing to over 20,000 in 2025—a staggering 50% rise from the previous year. Former Immigration Minister Kevin Foster labels the current strategy as a failure. Meanwhile, French authorities are ramping up efforts against smugglers, and a UK-France migrant agreement looms on the horizon.

History

Historical Context

The European migrant crisis peaked in 2015, with over 1 million migrants arriving in Europe and 3,771 fatalities in the Mediterranean. Since then, small boat crossings have surged, with nearly 30,000 undocumented migrants crossing the English Channel in 2023. This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for effective bilateral agreements and comprehensive immigration strategies between the UK and France.

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Story summary

Sir Keir Starmer is under fire for his handling of the migrant crisis, with small boat crossings skyrocketing to over 20,000 in 2025—a staggering 50% rise from the previous year. Former Immigration Minister Kevin Foster labels the current strategy as a failure. Meanwhile, French authorities are ramping up efforts against smugglers, and a UK-France migrant agreement looms on the horizon.

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