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Starmer's Border Crisis: Record Channel Crossings Spark Outcry

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, faces a surge in English Channel crossings: 65,922 arrivals in 19 months, surpassing Boris Johnson's 65,811.
Critics, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, blame Starmer's Rwanda plan cancellation for the rise, calling it a catastrophic failure.
Starmer has launched a border security command and a refugee plan to curb permanent residency, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says measures may take time.

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Story summary

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, faces a surge in English Channel crossings: 65,922 arrivals in 19 months, surpassing Boris Johnson's 65,811.
Critics, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, blame Starmer's Rwanda plan cancellation for the rise, calling it a catastrophic failure.
Starmer has launched a border security command and a refugee plan to curb permanent residency, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says measures may take time.