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Labour Faces Migrant Surge Amid Calais Controversy

8/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick's visit to Calais comes amid a staggering 50,000 illegal crossings since Labour's election victory. Jenrick slammed France for its role in aiding migrants, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed Labour's anti-gang pledges as empty rhetoric. The emergence of larger smuggler boats raises alarms about a potential surge in migrant numbers, possibly doubling by year-end.

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Story summary

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp and Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick's visit to Calais comes amid a staggering 50,000 illegal crossings since Labour's election victory. Jenrick slammed France for its role in aiding migrants, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed Labour's anti-gang pledges as empty rhetoric. The emergence of larger smuggler boats raises alarms about a potential surge in migrant numbers, possibly doubling by year-end.